Compliance: FG grants 3 months waiver for payment of duty on overtime vehicles, others

Maureen Aguta

Determined to enhance compliance and streamline import processes, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), under the directive of the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Sunday announce a 90-day (three months) window for regularizing import duties on specific categories of vehicles.

A statement by the National Public Relations Officer (NPRO), Abdullahi Maiwada, a Chief Superintendent of Customs, disclosed that the initiative applies solely to vehicles imported into Nigeria where the requisite customs duty has not been fulfilled or vehicles detained due to undervaluation.

The statement 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.”

It noted that, “All vehicle owners, Importers/Agents seeking to regularize import duties on their vehicles are required to apply to the Zonal Coordinators (Zones A, B, C, D) and CAC FCT Command. They must submit the necessary available documents and process Vreg in line with the Federal Ministry of Finance directives for the registration of imported motor vehicles.”

It was further disclosed that valuation and assessment of the vehicles will be carried out using the VIN valuation method, while Import Duty and a 25 per cent penalty shall be paid in tandem with the import guidelines, procedures, and documentation requirements for used vehicles under the Destination Inspection Scheme in Nigeria (2013) and the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023. Also, duty payments must be made using the Procedure Code specifically created for this exercise.

“This initiative reflects our unwavering commitment to facilitating compliance. We encourage all stakeholders to capitalise on this opportunity within the stipulated timeframe,” the statement concluded.