Customs

How Customs brokers misused VIN code to circumvent the policy—Tin Can CAC

Comptroller Oloyede

—–says VIN has come to stay

Eyewitness reporter.

The Area Controller of the Tin Can Island Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, Comptroller Olakunle Oloyede, has declared that deliberate misuse of code by the fright forwarders was the major challenge which the service had during the implementation of the Vehicles Identification Number (VIN) valuation policy before its withdrawal.

It could be recalled that the introduction of VIN valuation policy by the Customs sparked off an outrage among the freight forwarders who accused customs of indescriminate and arbitrary imposition of higher and unrealistic values on vehicles.

The agitations eventually made the Customs to suspend the controversial policy for fine-tuning.

However, at a recent media briefing in Lagos, Comptroller Oloyede explained that in a bid to circumvent the policy to pay lower values, clearing agents deliberately mis- applied the VIN code which caused disruptions in the customs system.

“What happened in the VIN Valuation was the misuse of the code” the erudite risk manager stated.

“We have standard VIN and Non-Standard VIN which we created in import regime and procedures form.”We created, on standard Vin, a procedure code 4000 000

“For Non- Standard VIN, we created 4000 846.

“Standard VIN has 17 digits while Non-Standard VIN has less or more.

“We know vehicles coming in from China or Europe come with less 17 digits.

“So to accommodate all types of VINs, we need two VINs.

“But the agents, being what they are, they were using 846 code, by either reducing a digit from the 17 or putting a dot or a slash.

“As a risk manager at the headquarters, we profiled the declarations they made because anytime we deploy a solution, we expect a feedback of either a negative or positive.

“That will allow us to update, upgrade or fine tune the system.

“But we didn’t have a feedback of either negative ot positive. We later found out, during the risk profile of about 7,000 declarations , we found out that there was a misuse of code.

“It was as a result of that misuse and to correct it that I was brought here.

“When I explained this things to them(agents), they later agreed with me. They even have a problem with value” he declared.

Comptroller Oloyede however said that the much vilified policy has come to stay because it is the norm all over the world in the automation of customs processes.

“I can authoritatively tell you that VIN valuation is going no where.

“It is part of the destructive technologies we are talking about that will aid trade facilitation.

“We are talking about biometrics, we are talking about artificial intelligence, we are talking about scanners, we are talking about machineries and a whole lot of things.

“VIN valuation is one of them and it is used all over the world which allows you to trace stolen vehicles.

“Most times,INTERPOL will write to us.

“Once you put the VIN, it will give you the history of the vehicle.

“The next stage of VIN Valuation is V- REG. VIN Valuation is a very small part of V-Registration.

“Those who are in charge of V-Reg wanted to take the valuation aspect,when I was in Abuja but we said no, Valuation belongs to Customs.That was why we developed VIN Valuation”

He however acknowledged that the policy has its flaws.

According to him, the customs authority later discovered that the VIN system does not accommodate 10 per cent depreciation level of vehicles, hence the reason why it was suspended for fine-tuning.

“Along the line, we found out that the 10 per cent depreciation was not included, that is why we pulled it down.”Before we bring it up again, we will do enough public enlightment.

“When we did the last one, we had Webinar but our people(Agents) are not with us when it comes to ICT”

The Customs Chief further disclosed that the service will keep improving on the policy until it gets to near perfection.

“We keep at it until we get it perfectly.”When you are developing a solution, you don’t get 100 per cent accuracy, if you get 65 percent to 75 percent, you leave the rest to update and upgrade.

“That is how a solution works. No perfect solution. There must be a gap for update and upgrade.

But the policy has come to stay.

“Vin Valuation policy is the fiscal policy of government. It has come to stay” he concluded.

Related Topics:Customs agents circumvent VIN featured

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Relief as Customs grants January 31st, 2026 extension for fast track operators to migrate to AEO

Funso Olojo

The Nigeria Customs Service has now extended the earlier December 31st, 2025 deadline for the migration of importers from fast track scheme to Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) to January 31st, 2026.

The extension, according to the Customs Authority, is meant to absorb more fast track operators into the AEO programme, deepen trade facilitation, secure supply chain and strengthen compliance in line with global standards.

As a result of the extension, Customs high command advised all existing Fast Track beneficiaries who are yet to complete their migration are to initiate and conclude their AEO applications through the official platform: aeo.nigeriatradehub.gov.ng.

“The extended timeline provides operators with ample opportunity to meet programme requirements and secure AEO certification without disruption to their business operations.

” For enquiries, technical support, or guidance, stakeholders may reach the dedicated helpdesk via aeo@customs.gov.ng.

“Only companies duly certified under the AEO Programme will continue to access the facilitation privileges previously available under the Fast Track Scheme.

The AEO Programme is a globally recognised compliance-based initiative that grants trusted operators enhanced benefits such as expedited cargo release, reduced documentation, lower inspection levels, pre-arrival processing, and greater predictability in cross-border trade.

” The extension reinforces the Service’s commitment to ensuring a seamless and inclusive transition process for all stakeholders.

“This decision to fully migrate from the fast-track scheme to AEO is consistent with the World Customs Organisation (WCO) SAFE Framework of Standards and is supported by Sections 108 to 111 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.

To further support stakeholders and sustain ongoing sensitisation efforts, the Service will convene another comprehensive Stakeholders Engagement Forum to provide practical guidance on the migration process, demonstrate application procedures, and address compliance-related concerns.

The forum is scheduled for Thursday, 18 December 2025, at the Lagos Continental Hotel, Lagos, from 0900hrs to 1600hrs.

“Participants will have the opportunity to interact with AEO implementation teams and obtain detailed information on programme requirements, benefits, and operational modalities.

“The NCS urges all fast-track beneficiaries to take advantage of the extension period, participate actively in the engagement forum, and complete their transition to the AEO Programme.

” This proactive involvement not only ensures compliance with applicable regulations but also enhances the supply chain’s effectiveness and sustainability, fostering a collaborative environment that benefits all parties.

“The Service remains committed to driving trade efficiency, enhancing Nigeria’s global competitiveness, protecting national revenue, and promoting a predictable, transparent, and secure cargo clearance ecosystem that supports legitimate business” the agency declared.

Customs

Again, Customs, NDLEA Collabo intercepts 2,374 packages of Canadian Loud at Apapa Port

– Comptroller Oshoba warns illicit traders against daring resolve of Customs Officers at Yuletide season

Funso OLOJO

For the second times in a week, the impregnable wall of surveillance mounted by the combination of the Apapa Customs and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) against the exit of illicit drugs from Apapa Port has interdicted a 20- foot container marked FCIU 6369526 laden with 2,374 packages of cannabis concealed in 55 bags with a total weight of 1,187kg.

This interception, the product of a credible intelligence, came barely 5 days both agencies uncovered 25.5kg cocaine in a Brazilian flagged vessel.

The latest seizure was suspected to be

Canadian Loud, an expensive strain of cannabis concealed inside an imported vehicles.

Both agencies, in the course of joint examination, discovered the seizure which has been taken into the custody of the NDLEA.

A breakdown of the drugs indicates that they were packed in 500 grams per sachet

Speaking on the seizure, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, Customs Area Controller of Apapa Port Command, commended the robust synergy between the NCS and NDLEA while reiterating the service zero tolerance for smuggling.

” Few days ago, I stated that no consignment will exit our control from this port without due check. Our synergy as agencies of government will always put us ahead of criminal elements.

“No matter the volume of trade we are processing, we will never sacrifice national security and economy for any form of trade.

“While we are focused on collecting maximum revenue for government, our eagle eyed officers are activated to be alert at all times.

” Let me warn, once again for the umpteenth time, any trader- importer, exporter, freight forwarder or licensed customs agent that dares our resolve this Yuletide season and beyond ,will face the full wrath of the law.

“Investigations are ongoing on this seizure and we shall bring the perpetrators to book” Comptroller Oshoba said.

Customs

Comptroller Aliyu vows to sustain onslaught on smugglers as he assumes duties at FOU A

Funso OLOJO

Comptroller Gambo Aliyu, the new controller of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU ) A of the Nigeria Customs Service, has expressed his determination to sustain the ongoing stranglehold on smugglers and other illicit traders within the Zone

Comptroller Aliu make this pledge on Wednesday, December 10th, 2025 when he assumed duties as the helmsman of the Zone A anti- smuggling unit.

He expressed gratitude to the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi and his management team for the opportunity to serve in the unit.

The new controller also commended outgoing Controller of the Unit, Muhammed Shuaibu, who has been elevated to an Assistant Comptroller General for his outstanding service, achievement and pledged to consolidate on them for greater success.

“I assure you that we will consolidate on these achievements for even greater successes.

“The FOU Zone A plays a critical role in enforcing compliance, suppressing smuggling and safeguarding the economic integrity of our dear nation.

” I am aware of the enormous responsibilities that come from this position especially within a zone as strategic, dynamic and challenging as Lagos and its environment.

“However, I am confident that with the cooperation and professionalism of the gallant officers and men of this command , we will continue to fulfill this mandate diligently.”

Aliyu, who until his new disposition, was the Customs Area Controller of Oyo/ Osun Command, outlined other key areas of focus that will guide the unit under his watch to include professional conduct and discipline among officers, stakeholders engagement as well as capacity building and welfare of officers.

He said, “High standards of ethics, discipline and integrity as well as accountability will remain non-negotiable.

” Every officer must ensure that their actions reflect the core values of the service.

“We will deepen collaboration with sister agencies ,community leaders and the trading public to strengthen border security and facilitate lawful trade.

“The motivation and welfare of officers will be prioritized to ensure improved efficiency and operational readiness.”

Aliyu assured stakeholders and the trading public that justice, equity and fairness will guide the unit’s actions at all times.

He added that the unit’s operations under his watch would be underpinned by three cardinal objectives including management change, compliance management, and reputation management.

He called on all officers and stakeholders to join hands with him in this new role, promising to operate an open door policy.

Earlier, in his valedictory speech, outgoing Controller, ACG Shuaibu, highlighted the unit’s major successes during his seven-month tenure, which began on April 23, 2025.

He stated that the unit recorded a total of 476 interceptions, comprising 761 seized items with a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of over N10.151 billion.

Some of the notable seizures listed included: 23,000 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice (equivalent to 38 trailers).

98 ‘tokunbo’vehicles, 2,350 kilograms of Cannabis Sativa, and 1,820 jerry cans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).

Others are 15 assorted rifles and 4,841 rounds of ammunition, two industrial drones, 25 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, and 4 cylinders of Russian-made explosives (each weighing 50kg), seizure of $30,000 and 110 CFA, totaling N31 million, which has been secured as final forfeiture to the Federal Government.

Additionally, he said the unit within the review period arrested 38 suspects and handed over eight containers of expired pharmaceutical products valued at N7.5 billion to NAFDAC, among other items.

Beyond enforcement, ACG Shuaibu stated that the unit recovered a total sum of N419,202,458.85 through demand notices issued on questionable declarations and undervalues, ensuring compliance with import and export regulations.

He attributed the successes to the unwavering support of stakeholders and dedicated officers, urging them to extend the same level of cooperation to Comptroller Aliu.

“I am confident that the foundation we have built will continue to flourish. Our shared objective remains to sustain prudent stewardship and strengthen the fight against smuggling.

” To my successor, I extend heartfelt congratulations on your appointment. I wish you great success and have no doubt that your leadership will usher in new perspectives and further advancement in these pivotal roles, ” he said.