The Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) on Sunday announced a 90-day window to allow for the regularisation of import duties on specific categories of vehicles.

Customs, in a statement on X by its public relations officer, Abdullahi Maiwada, said the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, gave the directive.

“In a proactive move to enhance compliance and streamline import processes, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), under the directive of the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, is pleased to announce a 90-day window for regularising import duties on specific categories of vehicles,” it stated.

The agency noted that the directive applies only to vehicles imported into the country where the requisite customs duty has yet to be fulfilled or vehicles detained due to undervaluation.

It stated that vehicle owners, importers and agents who want to regularise import duties on their vehicles should apply to the zonal coordinators (Zones A, B, C, D) and CAC FCT Command and submit the necessary available documents and process Vreg in line with the finance ministry’s directives.

“While we strive for inclusivity, it is important to clarify that vehicles seized and condemned will not be released under this arrangement and shall be forfeited to the federal government in accordance with extant regulations.

“All vehicle owners, importers/agents seeking to regularise import duties on their vehicles are required to apply to the zonal coordinators (Zones A, B, C, D) and CAC FCT Command. They must submit the necessary available documents and process Vreg in line with the Federal Ministry of Finance directives for the registration of imported motor vehicles.

“Valuation and assessment of the vehicles will be carried out using the VIN valuation method. Import Duty and a 25% penalty shall be paid in tandem with the import guidelines, procedures, and documentation requirements for used vehicles under the Destination Inspection Scheme in Nigeria (2013) and the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023. Also, duty payments must be made using the Procedure Code specifically created for this exercise.

“This initiative reflects our unwavering commitment to facilitating compliance. We encourage all stakeholders to capitalize on this opportunity within the stipulated timeframe,” the agency stated.