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Nigeria records N177.2 billion drop in vehicle importation to VIN valuation implementation in 6 months

—- as importation of used cars dropped 
Customs brokers kick
The Eyewitness reporter

The Federal Government may have lost a whopping sum of N 1772.2 billion in revenue in the first half of the year to the implementation of the Vehicles Identification Number (VIN) valuation policy of the Nigeria Customs Service.

It could be recalled that the policy, which seeks to harmonise the tariff system on all imported second-hand vehicles into the country, was first introduced in January 2022.
The VIN valuation system was introduced for the purpose of allocating standard values to all vehicles coming into Nigeria. According to the NCS, the system automatically determines the value of import duty payable on a vehicle immediately the vehicle goes through a dedicated scanning machine.
But due to the outcry and agitation of freight forwarders over some perceived imperfections, the policy was suspended, reviewed and relaunched in May 2022.
However, the implementation of the policy has led to astronomical increases in the tariff of tokunbo vehicles as high as 200 percent.
 This has led to a sharp decrease in the importation of the item arising from the implementation of the policy by the Customs.
According to the data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the number of used cars imported into Nigeria dropped in the first half of 2022 by N177.2 billion
The statistics show that N72.3bn and N96.7bn worth of used vehicles were imported in the first and second quarters of 2022.

In comparison, during the same period of 2021, N174.2 billion worth of used cars were imported in Q1 and N172 billion in Q2.

Analysts claimed that the drop might not be unconnected with the introduction of the VIN policy by Customs for proper valuation of imported used vehicles.

Importers had challenged the Nigerian Customs Service over the implementation of the VIN Valuation policy.

They noted that the scheme had increased the cost of clearing vehicles at the various ports of the country.

The costs of used vehicles, popularly known as Tokunbo, imported into Nigeria dropped in the first half of 2022 (January to June) by N177.2 billion, according to data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

Data from NBS titled ‘Foreign Trade in Goods Statistics’, showed that N72.3 billion and N96.7 billion worth of used vehicles were imported in the first and second quarter of 2022 respectively, which amounted to N169bn.

In comparison, Nigerians spent N346.2 billion to import used vehicles during the same period of 2021, including N174.2 billion worth of used cars in Q1 and N172 billion in Q2.

Also, in the second half of 2021, N185.4 billion and N85.7 billion were spent on used vehicles in Q3 and Q4 respectively, which amounted to N271.1 billion.

The drop in the cost of used cars imported into the country might be connected with the introduction of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) early this year for proper valuation of imported used vehicles.

Customs brokers have claimed that the policy has led to a drop in the importation of second-hand vehicles with the attendant drop in revenue to the federal government.
They urged the government to abide by the auto policy and ensure that used vehicles from 2010 were allowed to pay normal duties, rather than the 2013 duties which were imposed on all imported vehicles.

The National Automotive Industry Development Plan Bill, popularly known as Auto Policy, is central to the development of the automotive industry.

 The NAIDP represents the Federal Government’s boldest step at reviving local car assembly in over three decades, according to experts.
The policy, which was introduced in 2014, seeks to encourage local manufacture of vehicles while phasing out the importation of used vehicles. The policy classifies private vehicles above 15 years as overage vehicles.
The Acting National President of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents, Mr. Kayode Farinto, said that VIN was supposed to recognize vehicles from 2010 instead of those from 2013 upwards.
He said that the policy had made a lot of people consider bringing in vehicles through unapproved routes.

“What happens is that they started their valuation from 2013. I remember sending a letter to the CG of Customs about this particular issue.

” I told him it was wrong that the policy was for 12 years. They are supposed to start from 2010 or 2011 and up till now, they have not reversed it, which is very bad.
“The issue of the year is a very big one and that is what is discouraging the importation of used vehicles, with people bringing in these vehicles through unapproved routes like Cotonou.
” If the Comptroller General of the Customs works with the Federal Government on that and brings down the VIN valuation to 2011 or thereabout, it will be fine. The loss is big because since they started the VIN valuation, they have not reversed it.”
The National President of the National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents, Mr Lucky Amiwero described the VIN valuation policy as illegal.
“VIN is not legal; it is not a procedural thing anywhere in the world”. he declared.
” Vehicle Identification Number is chassis number and it is not tied to valuation. What Customs have done is in contravention of the law.
” There is a law, Act 20 0f 2003, passed through the Nigerian Shippers Council. That is the law that is based on value. The Customs do not have any other right to put value.”, Amiwero noted.

He said that the VIN had created more problems, noting that the government needed to intervene, if not there would be more problems.

“What they have done is that they are creating a lot of problems. They call it VIN valuation, but it is wrong. It is the vehicle identification number, which is the chassis number.

” It has nothing to do with valuation. The government will lose more if the government does not intervene. I have written to the government on this issue to tell them that what they are doing is wrong.
“What they are doing is illegal. Customs don’t have the right to implement VIN without passing through the National Assembly. It is not legal, it has no legal bearing, and the sooner the government goes back to what they were doing the better.
“Customs introduced that thing and it has created a lot of revenue setbacks for the government. The government should look at it seriously and reduce it and cancel the VIN. It is illegal and should be canceled.”, Amiwero declared.

Meanwhile, a member of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders, Nnadi Ugochukwu, accused the government of punishing people unnecessarily with the policy.

He said that the government was forcing people to pay for vehicles of nine years old and above instead of the 15 years the law stipulated.

According to him, “The government policy is 15 years, so, it is supposed to start from 2008 for private vehicles.

“So, the government is punishing people unnecessarily, breaking the laws that they made. Is it not the government that said the policy is 15 years now? When you come, they won’t allow you to pay for the 15 years but will make you pay as if the vehicle is nine years old.”

But the Federal Government, through the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed, stated that the VIN which is under the National Vehicle Registry (VREG) was to increase revenue and curb smuggling and other criminal activities.

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Customs

Kaila, Seme Customs CAC, seeks collaboration with stakeholders to achieve seemless trade along border corridor 

Funso OLOJO, Editor
The new Area Controller of the Seme Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, Comptroller Abdullahi Kaila, has  reached out to traditional rulers and  sister agencies at the border communities to ensure the achievement of his mandate of detection, determent of smuggling, revenue generation and trade facilitation along the border corridor.
To achieve these objectives, Comptroller Kaila went on tour of the communities within the border corridor where he met and sought for the support and cooperation of major critical stakeholders, including the traditional rulers and sister agencies.
According to him, his objective was to eradicate trade hindrances affecting free movement of goods and services along the Lagos-Abidjan business corridor.
Speaking at the Palace of Oba Akran of Badagry Kingdom, the Customs Area Controller condoled with the royal family and entire people of Badagry kingdom on the passing away of HRM De Wheno Aholu Menu Toyi I who was a well recognized traditional ruler across the border communities.
“”The purpose of my visit is to introduce myself as the Area Controller of Seme Command and to equally seek your royal blessing and support to achieve the core mandate of the service.
“Our priority remains to generate revenue, facilitate trade, and suppress smuggling.
“And we in the Customs believe that without due support and co-operation from traditional rulers, we can not have effective performance of our functions as Customs officers” he said
 The King Regent, Chief Abel Ogunbiyi, who described Kaila as the son of the soil, added that “We have listened to your request.
” Know that Badagry is a very peaceful town, and we will keep collaborating with you in safeguarding our borders and in promoting legitimate trade, ” he stated.
Comptroller Kaila also visited the Onibereko of Ibereko Awori-Kingdom, where the monarch, Oba Israel Okoya, signifies his commitment to fostering the service relationship with residents living within the border  communities
“I welcome you to Badagry and be rest assured that I will always talk to my people whenever the need is required.
” In our town, our youth does not engage in illegalities as I have no other choice than to assist you in achieving the government mandate, ” he mentioned
While at the Palace of Alapa of Apa Kingdom, the king HRM Oba Oyekan Ajose Ilufemiloye commended and described the CAC, Comptroller Kaila as a professional, seasoned and well respected officer as described by indigenes of border communities.
“I promise you that I will always assist you in my area for anything that you need.
“Our border here has been peaceful because our youth always listen to the elders, and I know with your presence here, things will change for the better, ” he said
In his efforts to consolidate on existing synergy between sister security agencies, Kaila also visited Headquarters of 653 Nigerian Air force base, Ahanve-Badagry.
The  Commanding Officer, Group Captain Hungruy  Medugu,expressed the  readiness of the formation to always support the command in achieving its mandate.
“Our collaboration has been key to various successes we have recorded in our area of responsibility.
” Your presence here strengthens existing bonds of inter-agency collaboration between both Services, and we will not take it for granted ,” he said
The Area Controller then ended his familirisation tour with seeking for mutual cooperation with a visit to the Republic of Benin Police office, showing his readiness to eradicate hindrances affecting the free movement of goods and services across the border.
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Customs

SIFAX Group sponsors Customs feature film “Novara”

– a story- telling movie on the sacrifices, resilience of customs officers in safeguarding Nigeria’s borders 
Gloria Odion, Maritime reporter 
In a landmark evening that brought together the worlds of commerce, security, and storytelling, SIFAX Group was prominently recognised as a major sponsor at the star-studded premiere of ‘Novara’,  the Nigeria Customs Service’s (NCS) debut feature film, held on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at the Viva Cinemas, Jara Mall, Ikeja, Lagos.
The high-profile event, which drew senior customs officials, industry leaders, members of the diplomatic community, and entertainment figures, marked an unprecedented moment in Nigeria’s institutional storytelling, with the NCS leveraging the power of cinema to illuminate the bravery and sacrifices of its officers in the relentless fight against smuggling.
Representing SIFAX Group at the event was Mrs Ololade Dawodu, Head of Clearing and Forwarding at SIFAX Shipping, who delivered an address that drew a direct line between the film’s narrative and the realities of maritime operations at Nigeria’s ports.
She noted that the story resonates strongly with real-life operations at Tin Can Island Port, one of Nigeria’s busiest commercial gateways and a critical hub within SIFAX Group’s operational landscape.
“For those of us in the industry, the sight of cargo ships and port operations is familiar but this film takes us beyond the surface, revealing the high-stakes reality that underpins global logistics.” she said.
Dawodu emphasised that the story goes beyond entertainment, serving as a tribute to the courage and resilience of officers who protect the nation’s economic lifelines.
She pointed to the film’s portrayal of loss and sacrifice as a sobering reminder of the human cost tied to security enforcement.
“At SIFAX Group, we believe that a secure maritime sector is the backbone of a thriving economy. Without security, trade cannot flourish.” she stated.
SIFAX Group’s partnership with the initiative did not go unnoticed.
The film’s producer, Agozie Ugwu, and the Superintendent of Customs 1, Mr Okpanachi Adejoh, both publicly commended SIFAX Group’s contributions to the project’s success, describing the Group’s sponsorship as instrumental in bringing the story to the screen at the scale it deserved.
The premiere concluded on a reflective note, with guests commending both the storytelling and the collaboration between the creative industry and key institutions.
 For SIFAX Group, the evening reinforced a clear message: sustainable growth in trade and logistics depends not only on infrastructure and expertise, but also on unwavering commitment to security.
About ‘Novara’
Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Agozie Ugwu and featuring veteran Nollywood actors Francis Duru and Ray Adeka, Novara tells the story of a dedicated customs officer navigating the dangers of undercover operations, while also shedding light on the personal sacrifices made by law enforcement personnel.
 Through its narrative, the film highlights the often-unseen risks involved in safeguarding Nigeria’s borders.
The film follows Superintendent Panshak Asiya, an undercover Customs officer who risks everything, including the safety of his family, to dismantle one of the country’s most dangerous smuggling syndicates.
Beyond its gripping action sequences, the film explores themes of love, faith, sacrifice, and the unseen human cost of law enforcement.
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Customs

Customs seeks strong commitment to war against narcotics trafficking in Nigeria

Funso OLOJO, Editor 
–renews partnership with NDLEA for effective operations
The Comptroller- General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, has warned that weak and uncoordinated institutional fight against drug trafficking may undermine Nigeria’ s standing in international community.
Leading a high- powered Customs delegation to a strategic meeting with the leadership of the  National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) held at the headquarters of the anti- narcotics agency on Monday, April 27th, 2026, Adeniyi said that Nigeria must show strong commitment, clinical enforcement and transparency in its fight against narcotics trafficking in order to enhance the confidence of international community.
Addressing the joint meeting between the top- ranked Customs officers and the leadership of the NDLEA led by its Chairman, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), the Customs boss stated that narcotics trafficking is in the front burner of discussions at international fora and the West African corridor is under serious scrutiny.
Adeniyi further declared that the fight against drug trafficking now goes beyond domestic enforcement, warning that Nigeria’s credibility before international partners depends largely on how effectively local institutions work together.
“I came here directly from international engagements in Europe and Asia, and at every table, narcotics trafficking remained a major issue. The West African corridor is under serious watch.”
“The agreements we sign abroad will only carry value when our operational credibility at home supports them.
“If intelligence shared with Nigeria is not pursued to interception, prosecution and destruction, our standing is weakened,” CGC Adeniyi said.
The Customs boss disclosed that the Service had continued to make major seizures and handovers to NDLEA, particularly through the Apapa Command and other operational formations.
 Adeniyi, however, stressed that interdiction alone was not enough, calling for stronger post-seizure accountability, regular prosecution updates and transparent destruction procedures.
 “Interdiction is only the first act of enforcement, not the last. Where narcotics are transferred but not promptly destroyed, where prosecution advances without feedback, and where exhibits are separated from originating officers, then the chain of enforcement is incomplete.”, he declared.
The Customs boss proposed a fresh framework between both agencies, including joint destruction of seized drugs where suspects are not arrested, periodic case status reports, coordinated court appearances and standing liaison channels at command level.
“We have not come here to apportion blame. We have come to design the next phase of a partnership that has carried Nigeria this far and must now carry it further,” the CGC declared.
Responding, the NDLEA Chairman described the concerns raised by Customs as legitimate and timely, assuring that the agency remains committed to transparency, accountability and professional cooperation.
“The concerns relating to post-transfer accountability, prosecution outcomes and disposal processes are valid concerns.
“We must move beyond ceremonial handovers to a structured and mandatory reporting framework under which NDLEA provides formal updates on investigations, prosecutions and final disposal of Customs-originated seizures.” Marwa noted.
The NDLEA boss proposed the immediate establishment of a joint committee to review grey areas in the existing Memorandum of Understanding(MoU) signed by both agencies under previous administrations.
According to him, the committee would recommend clearer procedures and, where necessary, draft a supplementary agreement for approval by both leaderships, stating, “Today’s meeting is timely. It gives us the opportunity to discuss areas of concern frankly and strengthen our collaboration.”
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