Customs introduces new policy on imported vehicles

The Nigeria Custom Service (NCS) has introduced a new policy that would henceforth guide importation of vehicles to stem revenue leakages and enhance the ability of the service to meet its targets.

Addressing reporters on behalf of the Comptroller General of Customs, Alhaji Dikko Abdullahi at Customs zonal headquarters, Yaba, Lagos, yesterday, the Assistant Comptroller General in charge of the zone, Victor Gbemudu outlined that under the new policy, all shipping companies must put the chassis number and the year of manufacturing of all imported vehicles on their manifests to be submitted to Customs for proper declaration.

He said that any shipping company that violates the new policy on imported vehicles would be penalised as Customs officers have been mandated not to board all affected ships.

Gbemudu warned that the measure became necessary to block revenue leakages and meet the 1 trillion revenue target given to Customs by the Federal Government this year.

Last year, the Assistant Comptroller General said, the service generated over N800billion and assured that the N1 trillion revenue target set for the service by the national government is achievable.

Gebmudu, who harped on the need to re-focus and consolidate as the nation’s leading non-oil revenue earner, said the service will demonstrate a zero tolerance for all the vices that have dented the image of the service and reduced its revenue generation.

He urged clearing agents to educate importers on the need for proper declaration to boost the trade facilitation policy of the Federal Government at the ports.

He said the service concealed the controversial benchmark on cargoes based on the popular opinions. He appealed to clearing agents to advice importers to make proper declaration of their goods as the service is set to pursue its revenue collection drive with renewed vigor.