Customs Says No Going Back But Approves 60% Rebate On Pre-2016 Vehicles

Despite the Senate’s resolution for the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) to suspend the planned one month ultimatum to vehicle owners to ensure that their Duty Paid Value (DPV) has been paid, the NCS has gone on to issue a 30-day ultimatum expiring on Wednesday April 12, 2017.

The Acting Public Relations Officer (PRO), Mr. Joseph Attah, said that the Service will provide adequate information to the National Assembly to make them understand the objective which he listed to include increased revenue and enhanced national security through the Vehicles Identification Number (VIN) Project. The Customs PRO, however said that vehicle models manufactured before 2016 would enjoy a 60% rebate on duties expected.

It is baffling though to comprehend why despite a clear order to the contrary from the legislature, the NCS would go on to issue the deadline. In normal societies, the NCS would honor the directive, appear before the Senate Committee on Customs and await the Senate’s decision. Based on what the Senate resolves on, they could go on or scrap the plan. However, it seems Nigeria is not a normal society.