‎The Nigerian Senate has resolved to direct the Nigeria Customs Service to stay all actions with regards to the circular issued by the Customs, in which it gave a one month grace to vehicle owners until they appear before the Senate Committee on Customs.

‎The Nigeria Customs had, in a statement from its Acting Public Relations Officer, Mr Joseph Atta, told owners of vehicles, who did not pay Customs duty to do so between March 13 and April 12.

‎‎This was sequel to a point of order moved by the Deputy Majority leader, Senator Bala Ibn Na'allah‎ citing order 42 and 52 with regard to the circular by the Nigeria Customs on the one month grace to clear vehicles

He said it was a serious issue and urged his colleagues to look into its justification.

Supporting the motion, Senator Dino Melaye (Kogi West) said it's impossible to import and clear a vehicle without the knowledge and corroboration of Nigeria Customs officers, stating Nigerians should not pay for the incompetence of the Nigeria Customs.

‎‎In his ruling, the President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki declared that it’s a straight forward motion and it’s the responsibility of the Senate to ensure the welfare of the masses are protected.

The Senate, however, asked the Customs to drop the move until its Comptroller-General Hameed Ali has appeared before the law-makers to explain the idea behind the collection of the old duties.

‎In another development, a Bill for Act to provide for Secured Transactions, Registration and Regulation of Security Interest in Movable Assets, passed through reading at the Senate.

The Bill, which seeks to enhance micro scale business, finance movable assets and create a means to collateral ‎was sponsored by Senator Rafiu Ibrahim (Kwara South)

A Bill for an Act to Repeal the National Health Insurance Scheme Act, sponsored by Senator Olanrewaju Tejuoso‎ was also passed for reading.

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