The Tin Can Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has said there is no iota of truth in the allegation by a 70-year old US returnee, Mr. Olukayode David-Albert, expressing frustration over the purported demand for the sum of ₦76 million to clear his two cars and personal belongings imported from the United States.

According to a statement by the Public Relations Officer of the Command, Superintend of Customs, Ngozi Okwara, this clarification had become necessary to address these claims and provide the public with factual clarity regarding the situation.

She noted that under the ECOWAS Common External Tariff CET 2022–2026, Schedule 2 No. 8 (3), goods classified as ‘baggage’ for the country’s citizens, who have resided outside the country for at least nine months may be brought in duty-free. She however noted that this provision explicitly excludes vehicles or goods intended for sale, barter, or exchange.

The statement further admitted that while Mr. David-Albert is eligible to import his personal belongings duty-free, the two cars in his consignment are not exempted from duty payments, noting specifically that the two cars comprising a luxurious 2024 Hyundai SUV and Mercedes Benz attract an Import Duty rate of 20per cent, a levy of 20per cent. This is in addition to a 7.5 per cent Value Added Tax VAT charge, which are in line with Nigeria Customs’ regulations. It was further gathered that the Command determined the appropriate duty value for the two vehicles to be ₦34,969,374.00, which is significantly less than the ₦53.5 million alleged as a ‘compromise’ amount in the publication by Mr. David-Albert.

She noted that rather than comply with extant regulations on payment of duty and charges on imported goods, Mr. David-Albert has resorted to blackmail in the media, challenging him to come up with evidence or names of officers, who requested gratification from him.

The state reads in part: “The attention of the Nigeria Customs Service, Tin Can Island Port Command, has been drawn to an online publication by a 70-year-old US returnee, Mr. Olukayode David-Albert, alleging frustration over the sum of ₦76 million purportedly demanded to clear his two vehicles and personal belongings. The Command considers it necessary to address these claims and provide the public with factual clarity regarding the situation.

“In line with the ECOWAS Common External Tariff (CET) 2022–2026, Schedule 2 No. 8 (3), it is expressly stated that goods classified as “baggage” for Nigerian citizens who have resided outside Nigeria for at least nine months may be brought in duty-free. However, this provision explicitly excludes vehicles or goods intended for sale, barter, or exchange.

“Consequently, while Mr. 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 20per cent, a levy of 20per cent, and a Value Added Tax (VAT) of 7.5per cent, in compliance with Nigeria’s Customs regulations. 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.

“It is disheartening that Mr. David-Albert has resorted to making unsubstantiated claims in the media rather than complying with established procedures. The Command categorically states that at no point did any officer of the Tin Can Island Port Command request for ₦76 million as alleged. If Mr. David-Albert has evidence of such misconduct, he is encouraged to come forward and identify the said officer for further necessary action.

“The Command further wishes to remind the public that one of the core roles of the Service is to facilitate the clearance of legitimate goods. However, the onus remains on Mr. David-Albert to meet the statutory requirements for duty payment. It is pertinent to note that similar regulations apply in advanced countries where Mr. David-Albert previously resided, and such behavior of attempting to circumvent due process would not be entertained there.

“The Nigeria Customs Service remains committed to upholding transparency, professionalism, and fairness in its operations. The Tin Can Island Port Command will continue to enforce the law without fear or favor while supporting legitimate trade.”