The Tin-Can Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has refuted allegations made by a 70-year-old US returnee, Mr. Olukayode David-Albert, regarding a purported ₦76 million demand for clearing his two vehicles and personal belongings. In a press statement issued by Superintendent of Customs Ngozi Okwara, Public Relations Officer of the Command, the NCS described the claims as misleading and clarified the circumstances surrounding the matter.
The Command explained that under the ECOWAS Common External Tariff (CET) 2022–2026, Nigerian citizens who have lived abroad for at least nine months can import personal belongings duty-free. However, this provision does not extend to vehicles or goods intended for sale or exchange.
According to the statement, Mr. David-Albert’s consignment included a luxurious 2024 Hyundai SUV, which attracted an Import Duty rate of 20%, a levy of 20%, and a Value Added Tax (VAT) of 7.5%, in accordance with Nigerian customs regulations. The total assessed duty for the two vehicles amounted to ₦34,969,374, significantly lower than the alleged ₦53.5 million “compromise” sum mentioned in media reports.
The NCS expressed disappointment over Mr. David-Albert’s decision to go public with what it described as unsubstantiated claims. The Command categorically denied any demand for ₦76 million by its officers and urged Mr. David-Albert to provide evidence of such misconduct, if any, to facilitate further investigation.
The Command reiterated its commitment to facilitating the clearance of legitimate goods while emphasizing that the responsibility for complying with statutory duty payments lies with importers. It further noted that similar duty requirements apply in advanced countries where Mr. David-Albert previously resided and stressed that attempts to circumvent due process would not be tolerated.
Superintendent Okwara highlighted the Command’s dedication to transparency, professionalism, and fairness, stating that the Tin-Can Island Port Command would continue to enforce customs laws without fear or favor while supporting legitimate trade activities.
The statement serves as a reminder to the public of the NCS’s unwavering commitment to upholding its mandate and ensuring the facilitation of legitimate trade in line with global best practices.