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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

KLT Customs reaffirms commitment to stronger maritime stakeholder engagement

Deputy Comptroller Bolaji Adigun

Gloria Odion, Maritime reporter
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‎The Acting Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Kirikiri Lighter Terminal (KLT) Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Deputy Comptroller Bolaji Adigun, has reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to deepening engagement with stakeholders across the maritime industry in line with efforts to promote trade facilitation, transparency, and sustainable economic growth.
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‎Adigun gave the assurance through the Deputy Comptroller in charge of Administration, Comptroller T.A. Jonah, who represented him during a courtesy visit by the newly elected Executive Committee of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) to the Command in Lagos.
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‎The Acting CAC, who was unavoidably absent, underscored the importance of sustained collaboration between the Nigeria Customs Service and key industry stakeholders, particularly the maritime media, in advancing the Service’s mandate and supporting national economic development.
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‎He described the media as a critical partner in disseminating information on government policies, customs reforms, trade facilitation initiatives, revenue generation, and anti-smuggling operations.
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‎According to him, maritime journalists occupy a strategic position in shaping public understanding and perception of activities within the port and maritime sector, stressing the need for professionalism, accuracy, and balanced reportage in the discharge of their duties.
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‎Adigun further assured the MARAN delegation that the KLT Area Command would continue to operate an open-door policy while fostering cordial and productive relationships with stakeholders within the maritime community.
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‎Earlier in his remarks, the President of MARAN, Mr. Oluyinka Onigbinde, stated that the visit formed part of the association’s ongoing stakeholder engagement initiative following the inauguration of its newly elected executive committee.
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‎Onigbinde explained that the purpose of the visit was to formally introduce the new leadership of the association to the Command and strengthen the longstanding relationship between MARAN and the Nigeria Customs Service.
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‎He commended the KLT Area Command for its contributions to trade facilitation, revenue generation, and enforcement activities, describing the Command as a vital component of Customs operations within Nigeria’s port system.
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‎The MARAN President also reaffirmed the association’s commitment to professional, objective, and development-driven journalism, noting that maritime reporters play a significant role in promoting informed discourse on issues affecting the industry.
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‎He further assured the Command of MARAN’s continued support for initiatives aimed at enhancing efficiency, transparency, and competitiveness within Nigeria’s maritime sector through responsible and factual reporting.

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Customs

“You are worthy ambassador of Osun State” Oni of Ife eulogies Adeniyi’s leadership of Customs 

Funso OLOJO,  Editor 
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi II, has eulogized the sterling qualities of Adewale Adeniyi, the Comptroller- General of Customs, for his revolutionary leadership of the Nigeria Customs  Service.
The  first class Yoruba monarch made the commendation on Thursday, 28th May 2026, during the annual Eid-el-Kabir gathering hosted by the Comptroller-General at his residence in Modakeke, Osun State.
The Oni, who cited President Bola Tinubu’s public commendation of Adeniyi as evidence of the confidence reposed in the Customs boss, described him as a good ambassador of Osun State and a source of pride to the ancient Ife Kingdom and the Modakeke community.
Oba Ogunwusi said President Tinubu’s public expression of satisfaction with Adeniyi’s performance reflected confidence in his leadership and the results being achieved by the Service.
“We are very proud of him and the work he is doing. When Mr President publicly expressed satisfaction with his performance, it was not a casual statement.
” It reflects trust in his capacity and the results he is delivering. What he is doing in the Customs Service and in the community shows that he is a unifier.”
Reaffirming the support of the Ife Kingdom for the Comptroller-General, the monarch declared:
“He brings people together, and that is what leadership is about. We will continue to stand by him and pray for him.”
Addressing guests, the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) Adeniyi expressed appreciation to the Ooni of Ife, community leaders, family members, friends, associates, and well-wishers for their continued support.
He described Eid-el-Kabir as a season that reminds humanity of the virtues of sacrifice, gratitude, obedience, and service to others.
According to him, beyond the celebration, the gathering provides an opportunity to reconnect with people, strengthen relationships, and reflect on the collective responsibility of building stronger communities and a better nation.
The CGC noted that the NCS has continued to record significant progress in revenue generation, trade facilitation, anti-smuggling operations, technological innovation, and corporate social responsibility initiatives in line with the economic objectives of the Federal Government.
He said the Service remains focused on supporting the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu through reforms aimed at facilitating legitimate trade, enhancing national security, improving compliance, and creating opportunities for economic growth.
CGC Adeniyi added that Customs has continued to invest in community-focused interventions across the country, including educational support programmes, healthcare initiatives, and other projects designed to improve the lives of Nigerians.
He pledged that the Service would continue to pursue reforms aimed at strengthening its operations and delivering greater value to the nation, while assuring stakeholders of Customs’ commitment to professionalism, transparency, and service excellence.
Adeniyi also expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve the country and assured Nigerians of the Service’s continued support for government policies geared towards economic prosperity and national development.
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Customs

World Bank strengthens Customs capacity in post clearance Audit in two- week capacity building exercise

Gloria Odion,  maritime reporter 
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has commenced a two-week Technical Assistance Mission on Post Clearance Audit (PCA) in collaboration with the World Bank Group under the Accelerated Revenue Mobilisation Reform (ARMOR) Programme, aimed at strengthening compliance management, revenue assurance, and trade facilitation through modern audit practices.
The workshop, which runs from June 1 to June 12, 2026, is taking place at the Service’s  Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja.
Delivering the opening remarks on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, Assistant Comptroller-General , Babatunde Olomu, described the mission as a significant step in advancing the Service’s modernisation agenda and strengthening its capacity as a technology-driven, intelligence-led, and globally competitive customs administration.
He noted that modern customs administrations increasingly rely on intelligence-led, risk-based, and post-clearance interventions that promote voluntary compliance while supporting legitimate trade and economic growth.
According to him, the mission offers an opportunity to assess existing processes, identify operational gaps, adopt international best practices, and develop practical solutions to strengthen the Post Clearance Audit framework.
Olomu identified risk-based targeting, case management, registry management, quality assurance, standardisation, and integrated audit systems as key areas of focus.
He emphasised that effective Post Clearance Audit enables Customs to move beyond transaction-based controls to a strategic compliance management approach that enhances revenue assurance, facilitates legitimate trade, strengthens transparency, and boosts public confidence.
“This mission presents a valuable opportunity to critically assess our existing processes, identify gaps, learn from international best practices, and develop practical solutions that will strengthen our PCA framework and overall compliance management system.” he stated.
The ACG commended the Comptroller-General for his commitment to modernisation and capacity building and also appreciated the World Bank and other development partners for their sustained support for Customs reforms.
He urged participants to actively engage throughout the programme and ensure that lessons learned are translated into measurable improvements in daily operations.
Speaking at the event, World Bank Task Team Lead, Moses Kajubi, said the mission is designed to strengthen the capacity of Post Clearance Audit officers through modern customs practices, practical audit tools, and internationally recognised methodologies.
He explained that participants would be exposed to global best practices, case management techniques, and compliance management strategies that can be adapted to Nigeria’s operational environment.
Kajubi stressed the importance of leveraging technology, structured case management systems, and data-driven decision-making to improve audit quality, compliance monitoring, and trade facilitation outcomes.
“This engagement will equip participants with practical tools and global best practices that can be applied directly in the field to improve the effectiveness of Post Clearance Audit operations.”He stated.
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He expressed confidence that the engagement would strengthen institutional capacity and contribute significantly to the Nigeria Customs Service’s modernisation objectives.
Lead Consultant for the ARMOR-P, Colonel Aloke Dutt, said the mission seeks to enhance trade facilitation, optimise revenue, and improve compliance management through a more structured and unified approach to Post Clearance Audit.
He emphasised the need for standardised audit methodologies, effective monitoring mechanisms, and the integration of data analytics into audit processes to improve accountability and operational efficiency.
Dutt also highlighted the importance of leveraging technology-driven solutions such as the B’Odogwu platform and developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to support a competency-based audit system across the Service.
During a technical session, Assistant Comptroller of Customs, Muhammad  Jubril, demonstrated the Post Clearance Audit process on the B’Odogwu platform, explaining how officers can initiate audit reviews using Harmonised Commodity codes and other risk indicators.
In his closing remarks, Comptroller Muhammad Shattima encouraged participants to maximise the opportunities provided by the workshop and apply the knowledge gained to achieve the strategic objectives of the NCS.
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