The Nigeria Customs Service has debunked a 76 million bribery allegation by a 70-year-old US returnee, Mr. Olukayode David-Albert.

In a statement issued and made available to Daily Sun on Tuesday by the Public Relations Officer, Tincan Island Port Command, SC Ngozi Okwara, dismissed the allegation, saying the accusation was not true and misleading.

?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.

?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 per cent, a levy of 20%, and a Value Added Tax (VAT) of 7.5 per 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 Tincan 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,? she said.

She explained that the Command will stick to its statutory mandate of trade facilitation no matter whose Ox is gored

?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,? she stated. (Daily Sun)

?Comptroller General of Customs Adewale Adeniyi

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