By Melvin Onwubuke
The Federal Government has announced a time limit of 90 days for the regulariszation of import duties on certain vehicle categories.
This was disclosed by Abdullahi Maiwada, The National Public Relations Officer, Nigeria Customs Service, on Sunday.
In the statement, Maiwada said the recent development was a proactive effort to improve compliance and streamline customs procedures, according to The Punch.
The development came at a time when the foreign exchange crisis continues to make it difficult for importers and businesses to pay import duties, as more vehicles are detained.
According to Maiwada, the initiative applies simply to vehicles imported into Nigeria where the requisite customs duty had not been fulfilled or vehicles detained due to under-valuation.
He said “While we strive for inclusivity, it is important to clarify that vehicles seized and condemned will not be released under this arrangement and shall be forfeited to the Federal Government in accordance with extant regulations.
“All vehicle owners, importers/agents seeking to regularize import duties on their vehicles are required to apply to the service’s zonal coordinators (Zones A, B, C, D) and Customs Area Controller of the Federal Capital Territory Command.”
“They must submit the necessary available documents and process V-reg in line with the Federal Ministry of Finance directives for the registration of imported motor vehicles,” he added.
Recall, the NCS in February said it intended to grant exemptions to vehicle owners to pay duties within a specific time frame to avoid sanctions.
