The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has denied allegations by a 70-year old United States returnee, Mr Olukayode David-Albert, that the officers of the service in Lagos demanded for N76 million to clear his two vehicles and personal belongings.
Reports on Sunday said David-Albert had expressed frustration over demand for bribes by officers of the Nigeria Customs Service, who initially gave him a bill of N76 million as import duty for his two vehicles and personal belongings before reducing it to N53.5 million.
According to him, Customs demanded N3.3 million for his 2011 Chrysler, N70.8 million for a 2024 Hyundai SUV, and N2 million for household goods, totaling N76 million. After negotiations, the “compromise value” was reduced to N53.5 million, including additional fees for valuation, headquarters approval, and other charges.
David-Albert, who spent 30 years in the U.S., described the experience as disheartening and accused customs officials of institutionalized corruption.
However, responding to the allegations, Customs in a statement signed by Ngozi Okwara, public relations officer of the Tincan Island Command of the NCS, on Tuesday clarified that while David-Albert was entitled to a duty-free import of his personal belongings, import duty for his two vehicles stood at N34.9 million.
The Service stated: “The attention of the Nigeria Customs Service, Tincan 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.
Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi
“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 20%, a levy of 20%, and a Value Added Tax (VAT) of 7.5%, 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.”
Okwara said it was disheartening that Mr. David-Albert 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 Tincan Island Port Command request for ₦76 million as alleged, urging the septuagenarian to come forward with evidence of such misconduct 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 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 Tincan Island Port Command will continue to enforce the law without fear or favor while supporting legitimate trade,” Okwara stated.
