The Nigeria Customs Service on Wednesday made a dramatic U-turn and announced the suspension of the implementation of the payment of import duty on old vehicles as directed by the Nigerian Senate.
The Senate had asked the NCS to suspend the controversial policy which had unsettled many Nigerian car owners.
It read partly, “Following the unnecessary tension generated as a result of misconception and misrepresentation of the Nigeria Customs Service planned motor duty payment, the leadership of the National Assembly and the Comptroller-General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ali (Rtd) met with a view to resolving the impasse.
“They both agreed that the proposed motor duty payment, though in line with the provision of Customs and Excise Management Act Cap C.45, LFN 2004 should be put on hold while the Senate Committee on Customs and Excise interfaces with the NCS for further discussions.
“While payment of duty on vehicles or indeed any dutiable imported item remains a civic responsibility of every patriotic Nigerian, NCS management has directed that the exercise be put on hold while expressing readiness to engage the Senate Committee on further discussions to bring them on board to understand the importance of the exercise to national security and economy.”
NCS Chief Hameed Ali is expected to appear before Senators today to answers questions respecting the policy and why he has refused to wear customs uniform since he was appointed Comptroller-General by President Muhammadu Buhari.
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