By Anthony Nwachukwu
The Tincan Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has refuted allegations by a United States returnee, Olukayode David-Albert, that officers of the command attempted to extort him of N53.5 million in baggage bribe over a purported sum of N76 million tariff.
In a statement clarifying issues on Tuesday, the Command Public Relations Officer, Ngozi Okwara, disclosed that the 70-year-old David-Albert had in an online publication alleged “frustration over the sum of ₦76 million purportedly demanded to clear his two vehicles and personal belongings.”
It wondered how customs officer(s) would have requested a “compromise of ₦53.5 million” as alleged in the publication when the real tariff of ₦34,969,374.00 is significantly less.
The command, citing the ECOWAS Common External Tariff (CET) 2022–2026, Schedule 2 No. 8(3), explained that while goods classified as “baggage” for Nigerian citizens who have resided abroad for at least nine months may be brought in duty-free, “this provision explicitly excludes vehicles or goods intended for sale, barter, or exchange.
Consequently, while David-Albert is eligible to import his personal belongings duty-free, “the two vehicles in his consignment are not exempted from duty payments.
“Specifically, the luxurious 2024 Hyundai SUV attracts an Import Duty rate of 20 per cent, a levy of 20 per cent, and a Value Added Tax (VAT) of 7.5 per cent, in compliance with the Nigerian customs regulations.”
Accordingly, “the command determined the appropriate duty value for the two vehicles to be ₦34,969,374.00. This value is significantly less than the ₦53.5 million alleged as a ‘compromise’ amount in the publication,” the command stated.
Regretting David-Albert’s resort to unsubstantiated claims in the media rather than complying with established procedures, the Tincan Island Port Command affirmed that none of its officers requested for ₦76 million as alleged.
It urged the man to provide evidence if he has any, or come and identify the said officer for further necessary action. Meanwhile, the command reminded the public that its core roles include facilitating the clearance of legitimate goods once statutory requirements for duty payment are met.
The command further noted that similar regulations apply in advanced countries where David-Albert previously resided, and where such attempt to circumvent due process would not be entertained.
Restating the agency’s commitment to upholding transparency, professionalism and fairness in its operations, the Tincan Island Port Command assured that it would continue to enforce the law without fear or favour, while supporting legitimate trade.
