NASS vs NCS: Customs Service suspends motor duty payment

After the pressure generated as a result of misrepresentation
of the Nigeria Customs Service proposed motor duty payment, the National
Assembly and the Comptroller-General of Customs, CGC, Col. Hameed Ali (Rtd) had
a meeting with an understanding to resolve the gridlock and have both settled
to suspend planned motor duty payment.

This was disclosed through a statement signed by the Acting
Public Relations Officer, Joseph Attah, on Wednesday.

The statement claimed that both leadership of the National
Assembly and the CGC, Col. Hameed Ali (Rtd) had agreed that the proposed motor
duty payment, nonetheless in line with the provision of Customs and Excise
Management Act (CEMA) Cap C.45, LFN 2004 should be put suspended while the
Senate Committee on Customs and Excise cross point with the Nigerian Customs Service
(NCS) for more deliberations.

While payment of duty on vehicles or any dutiable imported
item remains a civic charge of every loyal Nigerian, NCS administration has passed
directives that the exercise should be put on hold while stating willingness to
employ the Senate Committee on further dialogs to bring them on board to know
the importance of the exercise in relation with the economy and national
security.

The Comptroller-General, Hameed Ali had approved one month
grace-period for all Nigerian vehicle owners to pay duties if they have not or
face total confiscation of the vehicles. This also applies to those who bought new
vehicles from car dealers.

NCS gave a grace of one month, from March 13, 2017 to April
12, 2017, for vehicle owners to pay the applicable duty on their cars.

The PRO also said that some vehicle brought into the country
through the land borders, apparently failed to pay duty.