By Olubunmi ISIOPHKE, Lagos
In a bid to achieve seamless cargo documentation and Clearance at the Port, the Customs Area Controller, Ports and Terminals Multiservices Limited, Comptroller Saidu Abba Yusuf, has urged importers of vehicles and their agents to imbibe transparency while making declarations for their imported vehicle.
This information was contained in a statement issued signed by the Command Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs Muhammad Yakubu and made available to GLOBAL RAYS Media.
The statement reads in part: “At a stakeholders sensitization meeting held on Wednesday August 29, 2023 on Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) valuation, the Customs Area Controller, CAC, Compt. Saidu Yusuf, dispelled the rumour that the VIN method has been cancelled.”
In his remarks, Compt. Saidu Yusuf, said, “In accordance with the directive of Nigeria Customs Service headquarters VIN Valuation Process remains fully operational and effective.”
He added, ” The trim numbers are critical in identifying distinct versions or tiers within a specific car model. They delineate varying configurations, features, and levels of equipment associated different models.”
The CAC asserted, ” The trim of vehicles are not same for all kinds and I urged declaractions to have their transaction valued.”
Compt. Yusuf frowned and blamed some declarations for not being transparent because they go inputting what they think is the lowest base value which necessitates interventions like demand notice and alerts.
However, he advised them to apply invoice and transaction values as a way of promoting transparency and building integrity in the trade process of vehicle clearance.
Comptroller Yusuf, posited, “Section 24 Nigeria Customs Service Act (NCSA) 2023 provides for advance ruling for stakeholders to submit to the NCS before a transaction and the ruling will be binding on the service and the importer or agent.”
Adding, “This is a unique trade facilitation method provided for by the new law.”
The CAC who described the meeting as being in line with the law also said customs stakeholders partnership is a provision of section 29 NCSA 2023.
His words: ” Meetings like this is meant to rub minds, identify challenges and jointly work out solutions on how best to resolve the challenges. And the meeting is also in tandem with WCO and WTO trade facilitation thrusts which encourage consultations.”
In addition, the CAC reminded the stakeholders that the use of code 846 for clearing of non standard VIN has been further modified to reduce human contact through what he called e-846. This saves time and makes trade easier.
He reaffirmed, “I must commend the system because the reduction of human contact is very effective and beneficial to all as it saves time. I personally monitor electronically from my office and can confirm that my officers are implementing it diligently.”
Compt. Saidu Yusuf, assured, “Where ever you are experiencing delay in the process under my command, please draw my attention to it. My doors are open and will be more open to all of you. The help desk headed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer is active and responding to all inquiries online and in real time”
