The Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) has appealed to the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Col Hameed Ali ( rtd ) to open a window of special concession for agents to pay duty on illegally-imported vehicles and also allow their importers to legitimize such vehicles particulars.
In a statement signed by the Secretary General of ANLCA; Mr Babatunde Mukaila which was circulated on social media by the association spokesman; Mr Joe Sanni yesterday, ANLCA pleaded that a similar window which was opened by the Customs boss in 2017 should be reintroduced.
In anticipation of the Custosm CG’s approval, ANLCA is currently directing its members who are in doubt of the legitimacy of their vehicles to send details of such vehicles to its national secretariat for immediate consideration, valuation and approval for payment from Customs headquarters.
Shipping Position Daily recalls that in 2017, the Col Ali granted a month grace period for duty payment on smuggled vehicles.
Ali approved that between Monday 13th March and Wednesday 12th April 2017, owners of vehicles within the country whose customs duty has not been paid, to do so.
Consequently, all motor dealers and private owners of such vehicles were advised to visit the nearest Customs Zonal Office to pay the appropriate Customs duty on them.
However in the circular sent by ANLCA to its members on Monday, it made reference to its recent visit to the Customs headquarters in Abuja.
"Recently, Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) visited Customs Management in Abuja, during which it pleaded for the reopening of a window for those vehicles owners that are desirous of paying Customs Duties and legitimizing their vehicles particulars, to do so before the long arms of the law catches up with them, which might lead to the seizure of such illegally imported vehicles", the statement recalled.
To demonstrate its seriousness, the ANLCA statement advised its members that: "If you doubt the authenticity/legitimacy of your vehicles, kindly signify by email to: [email protected] or through whatsapp -08026157200, details of your vehicles, for immediate consideration, valuation and approval for payment from Customs headquarters".
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