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Customs

New costs of clearing Tokunbo cars under VIN regime at Nigerian ports

      The Eyewitness reporter
Customs duties on imported second-hand vehicles, otherwise known as Tokunbo, at the Nigerian ports have shot up astronomically under the recently introduced Vehicles Inspection Numbers(VIN) valuation policy of the Nigeria Customs Service.

The situation was further compounded by the free fall of the Naira in exchange for Dollars in the foreign exchange market, thus effectively taking the purchase of second-hand vehicles out of the reach of average Nigerians due to the high tariff of the item at the ports.

Buying used foreign cars is fantastic, some believe it’s better than buying Nigerian used cars.

So in this article, we will disclose the charges such as Nigerian customs duty charges on imported cars, port charges, and clearing agent charges that you must pay before your car can be claimed and cleared from Apapa Port or any other port in Nigeria.

Following the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) increase in the official exchange rate for cargo importation into Nigeria, the Valuation Department of the Nigeria Customs Service at the Nigerian ports has issued an update to assist importers in determining rates of duty payable on various brands of vehicles and their levies.

Recently, the official exchange rate was increased from N409 per $1 Dollar to N422.3 per Dollar.

The update which was prepared by Valuation SIFAX Bonded Terminal also took into consideration the ex-factory price and VIN Valuation of the vehicles and the NAC Levy.

Rules For Importing Cars Into Nigeria

The government of Nigeria claims that you must make an e-Form M to import any type of goods. E-Form M is valid for half a year, except for the E-Form M that you open in order to import machinery and plants, which is valid for 1 year.Shipping From the USA To Nigeria: A Step-By-Step Guide
Let’s brief you on a step-by-step shipping guide.DURATION: the ship takes about 2-3 weeks to arrive in Lagos (unless the vessel will stop in the other ports) from the moment it takes off from the USA port.TRANSIT TIME: Once the ship drops off your car at the destination port in Nigeria, the estimated time of clearance usually takes a maximum of THREE DAYS under VIN valuation regime.

You should keep in mind that when the ship gets to port in Lagos, the process does not end here. Usually, the off-loading process takes several weeks. And this is the best moment to get your clearing agent to work.

Here is the step-by-step guide on shipping cars if you do it yourself or with the help of an agent:

How to ship any car by yourself

Find a Shipping Broker Online or Offline
Download their application form called Docket Receipt
Complete the docket receipt and fax or email it to the shipping broker.
The broker will process and send it back to you in 1-2 days depending on their response timing
Make 6 copies of the docket receipt and 6 copies of the car title front and back
Take your car and paper-work to the port
The port staff will give you a receipt confirming that your car was accepted for shipping
The broker then sends you a bill for the shipping
Once you make the payment, they will mail your bill of lading to you
Make a copy of the bill of lading and send the originals immediately to your clearing agent preferable by courier
Your clearing agent will clear the car from the port
All this process may take up few weeks, depending on the compliance level of the importer.
However, having concluded the necessary pre-clearance procedures, it takes a maximum of THREE DAYS to take your car out of Customs control under the new regime of VIN valuation.
Shipping any car through a shipping agent
Find a shipping agent in your area
Complete the Agent’s paper-work form
Give him the car, Keys and original title
You may be required to pay the shipping fee immediately or when the ship leaves
Once the bill of lading is ready, the agent will call you for pick-up
Make a copy of the bill of lading and send the original copies to your clearing agent.
Your cleaning agent clears the car from the Port
This whole process may take up few weeks depending on the complaint level of the importer and his agent
However, having concluded the necessary pre-clearance procedures, it takes a maximum of THREE DAYS to take your car out of Customs control under the new regime of VIN valuation.
Cost of shipping cars from the USA to Nigeria
You have to pay an auction fee when you are buying through an Auction abroad;
You pay the shipping cost to the foreign country;
You pay clearing fees and different port charges;
Your payment includes customs duty, levy, and VAT;
You are charged for the commission, that goes to shipping and clearing agents;
You pay charges to the shipping company at the delivery point;
The costs also may include some miscellaneous expenses.
EX-FACTORY PRICE (VIN-VALUATION)
HINT: SURFACE DUTY X 2.359= TOTAL DUTY (NAC INCLUSIVE) @N422.30/$
Type of Vehicle Year Price
TOYOTA COROLLA 2000-2013 ₦299,430
TOYOTA COROLLA 2014 ₦369,642
TOYOTA COROLLA 2015 ₦432,625
TOYOTA COROLLA 2016 ₦505,934
TOYOTA COROLLA 2017 ₦573,000
TOYOTA COROLLA 2018 ₦769,684
TOYOTA COROLLA 2019 ₦899,323
TOYOTA COROLLA 2020 ₦1,110,990
TOYOTA COROLLA 2021 ₦1,509,300
TOYOTA RAV 4 2000-2013 ₦408,877
TOYOTA RAV 4 2014 ₦504,901
TOYOTA RAV 4 2015 ₦590,600
TOYOTA RAV 4 2016 ₦690,754
TOYOTA RAV 4 2017 ₦808,462
TOYOTA RAV 4 2018 ₦1,051,104
TOYOTA RAV 4 2019 ₦1,228,697
TOYOTA RAV 4 2020 ₦1,517,802
TOYOTA RAV 4 2021 ₦2,060,907
TOYOTA VENZA 2000-2013 ₦622,609
TOYOTA VENZA 2014 ₦768,194
TOYOTA VENZA 2015 ₦899,323
TOYOTA CAMRY 200-2013 ₦346,926
TOYOTA CAMRY HYBRID 2000-2013 ₦441,918
TOYATA CAMRY 2014 ₦428,495
TOYOTA CAMRY 2015 ₦500,771
TOYOTA CAMRY 2016 ₦585,438
TOYOTA CAMRY 2017 ₦685,592
TOYOTA CAMRY 2018 ₦891,063
TOYOTA CAMRY 2019 ₦1,041,811
TOYOTA CAMRY 2020 ₦1,286,518
TOYOTA CAMRY 2021 ₦1,747,021
TOYOTA C-HR 2018 ₦862,153
TOYOTA C-HR 2019 ₦1,008,770
TOYOTA HIGHLANDER 2000-2013 ₦545,170
TOYOTA HIGHLANDER 2014 ₦673,202
TOYOTA HIGHLANDER 2015 ₦787,811
TOYOTA HIGHLANDER 2016 ₦922,039
TOYOTA HIGHLANDER 2017 ₦1,077,949
TOYOTA HIGHLANDER 2018 ₦1,401,127
TOYOTA HIGHLANDER 2019 ₦1,638,606
TOYOTA HIGHLANDER LE 2020 ₦2,023,736
TOYOTA HIGHLANDER 2021 ₦2,747,631
TOYOTA YARIS 2000-2013 ₦204,438
TOYOTA YARIS 2015 ₦295,300
TOYOTA SIENNA 2000-2013 ₦509,031
TOYOTA SIENNA 2015 ₦720,698
TOYOTA SIENNA 2017 ₦986,055
TOYOTA SIENNA 2018 ₦1,281,355
TOYOTA SIENNA 2021 ₦2,513,150
TOYOTA SIENNA 2022 ₦2,824,865
TOYOTA AVALON 2000-2013 ₦565,820
TOYOTA AVALON 2014 ₦697,982
TOYOTA AVALON 2015 ₦816,722
TOYOTA AVALON 2016 ₦956,112
TOYOTA AVALON 2018 ₦1,452,753
TOYOTA AVALON 2021 ₦2,849,680
TOYOTA TACOMA 2000-2013 ₦410,942
TOYOTA TACOMA 2015 ₦592,666
TOYOTA TACOMA (10%) 2017 ₦811,559
TOYOTA TACOMA 2018 ₦1,055,234
TOYOTA TUNDRA 2000-2013 ₦529,682
TOYOTA TUNDRA 2014 ₦653,584
TOYOTA TUNDRA 2019 ₦1,590,078
TOYOTA TUNDRA 2021 ₦2,665,962
TOYOTA LAND CRUISER 2000-2013 ₦609,126
TOYOTA LAND CRUISER 2020 ₦2,257,085
TOYOTA LAND CRUISER 2021 ₦3,065,547
TOYOTA LAND CRUISER 2022 ₦7,620,339
TOYOTA PRADO 2020 ₦3,539,698
TOYOTA PRADO 2022 ₦4,136,888
TOYOTA PRADO TXL 2022 ₦4,193,191
TOYOTA FORTUNER 2020 ₦1,988,630
TOYOTA FORTUNER 2022 ₦3,336,404
TOYOTA COASTER (10%) 2019 ₦1,761,476
TOYOTA COASTER (10%) 2020 ₦1,988,630
TOYOTA HIACE BUS (10%) 2020 ₦1,583,790
TOYOTA HIACE BUS (10%) 2022 ₦1,478,050
TOYOTA HILUX 2000-2013 ₦331,420
TOYOTA HILUX (10%) 2016 ₦545,170
TOYOTA HILUX (10%) DOUBLE CABIN 4WD) 2020 ₦1,189,700
TOYOTA SEQUOIA 2015 ₦1,138,868
TOYOTA TUCSON 2000-2013 ₦371,707
TOYOTA PRIUS 2000-2013 ₦339,699
HONDA ACCORD 2000-2013 ₦378,934
HONDA ACCORD 2014 ₦467,730
HONDA ACCORD 2015 ₦547,235
HONDA ACCORD 2016 ₦640,161
HONDA ACCORD 2017 ₦748,575
HONDA ACCORD 2018 ₦972,632
HONDA ACCORD 2019 ₦1,137,835
HONDA ACCORD HYBRID 2019 ₦1,213,209
HONDA ACCORD 2020 ₦1,404,224
HONDA ACCORD 2021 ₦1,908,094
HONDA CIVIC 2000-2013 ₦312,853
HONDA CIVIC 2020 ₦1,160,551
HONDA FIT 2000-2013 ₦255,032
HONDA PILOT 2000-2013 ₦474,958
HONDA PILOT 2015 ₦686,624
HONDA CR-V 2000-2013 ₦363,446
HONDA CR-V 2014 ₦448,113
HONDA CR-V 2015 ₦524,519
HONDA CR-V 2016 ₦614,362
HONDA CROSSTOUR 2000-2013 ₦425,397
HONDA CROSSTOUR 2014 ₦525,552
HONDA CROSSTOUR 2015 ₦615,291
HONDA RIDGELINE 2000-2013 ₦534,844
HONDA INSIGHT 2000-2013 ₦361,911
HONDA ODYSSEY 2000-2013 ₦485,898
HONDA ODYSSEY 2014 ₦599,893
AUDI Q5 2000-2013 ₦483,219
AUDI Q7 2000-2013 ₦581,676
AUDI Q7 2017 ₦1,875,181
AUDI A4 2017 ₦1,207,014
AUDI A6 2019 ₦1,597,308
ACURA MDX 2000-2013 ₦596,796
ACURA MDX 2014 ₦1,020,784
ACURA MDX 2015 ₦1,193,591
ACURA MDX 2017 ₦1,632,411
ACURA RDX 2000-2013 ₦633,966
ACURA TSX 2000-2013 ₦406,421
ACURA TL 2000-2013 ₦634,999
ACURA ILX 2014 ₦522,454
ACURA TLX 2015 ₦919,974
SCION TC 2014 ₦489,414
SCION XD 2000-2013 ₦360,349
SCION XB 2000-2013 ₦368,609
SCION IM 2016 ₦637,588
SUBARU OUTBACK 2000-2013 ₦420,235
SUBARU FORESTER 2000-2013 ₦386,162
SUBARU TRIBECA 2000-2013 ₦543,105
LEXUS RX350 2000-2013 ₦695,917
LEXUS RX350 2014 ₦860,088
LEXUS RX350 2015 ₦1,005,673
LEXUS RC350 2015 ₦1,007,738
LEXUS RX350 2016 ₦1,176,038
LEXUS RX350 2017 ₦1,375,314
LEXUS RX350 2019 ₦2,240,565
LEXUS RX350 2020 ₦2,766,117
LEXUS RX350 2021 ₦3,507,033
LEXUS ES300 2000-2013 ₦658,747
LEXUS ES350 2000-2013 ₦628,804
LEXUS ES350 2014 ₦776,454
LEXUS ES350 2019 ₦1,889,509
LEXUS ES350 2020 ₦2,333,883
LEXUS GS 350 2000-2013 ₦805,364
LEXUS GX460 2000-2013 ₦873,511
LEXUS GX460 2014 ₦1,077,949
LEXUS GX460 2015 ₦1,260,705
LEXUS GX460 2017 ₦1,725,338
LEXUS GX460 2018 ₦2,241,597
LEXUS GX460 2020 ₦3,237,978
LEXUS GX460 2021 ₦4,397,157
LEXUS GX460 2022 ₦4,786,589
LEXUS IS 250 2000-2013 ₦608,153
LEXUS IS 250 2014 ₦751,272
LEXUS LX 570 2000-2013 ₦1,363,184
LEXUS LX 570 2017 ₦2,692,585
LEXUS LX 570 2020 ₦5,052,112
LEXUS LX 570 2021 ₦6,861,530
LEXUS LX600 VIP 2022 ₦7,706,018
LEXUS NX 300 2020 ₦2,155,898
LEXUS GS 300 2000-2013 ₦805,364
LINCON AVIATOR 2000-2013 ₦806,397
L/R FREELANDER 2000-2013 ₦258,130
LAND RANGE ROVER 2000-2013 ₦672,169
L/R RANGE ROVER SPORT 2000-2013 ₦1,083,112
L/R RANGE ROVER 2018 ₦1,727,713
L/R RANGE ROVER VELAR 2018 ₦2,279,800
L/R RANGE ROVER VELAR 2019 ₦2,666,995
L/R DISCOVERY 2000-2013 ₦595,763
LAND ROVER LR2 2000-2013 ₦717,600
LAND ROVER LR3 2000-2013 ₦461,536
LAND ROVER LR4 2015 ₦1,406,934
NISSAN PATHFINDER 2000-2013 ₦499,739
NISSAN PATHFINDER 2014 ₦616,413
NISSAN PATHFINDER 2018 ₦1,282,388
NISSAN FRONTIER 2000-2013 ₦449,145
NISSAN ROGUE 2000-2013 ₦398,552
NISSAN ROGUE 2015 ₦576,145
NISSAN ROGUE 2017 ₦787,811
NISSAN ALTIMA 2000-2013 ₦379,967
NISSAN VERSA 2000-2013 ₦232,317
NISSAN QUEST 2000-2013 ₦420,235
NISSAN ARMADA 2000-2013 ₦742,381
NISSAN XTERRA 2000-2013 ₦401,650
NISSAN KICKS 2021 ₦1,498,184
NISSAN SENTRA 2014 ₦371,707
NISSAN SENTRA 2017 ₦594,731
NISSAN TITAN 2000-2013 ₦589,550
NISSAN TITAN 2018 ₦1,466,176
NISSAN MURANO 2000-2013 ₦497,554
NISSAN MAXIMA 2000-2013 ₦540,007
M/BENZ E-CLASS 2000-2013 ₦852,860
M/BENZ E-CLASS 2014 ₦1,052,136
M/BENZ E-CLASS 2017 ₦1,684,807
M/BENZ S500 4M 2021 ₦7,482,493
M/BENZ S-CLASS 2000-2013 ₦1,486,826
M/BENZ S-CLASS 2015 ₦2,147,638
M/BENZ S-CLASS 2021 ₦7,485,758
M/BENZ E-CLASS 2021 ₦4,293,211
M/BENZ METRIS 2021 ₦2,492,025
MERCEDES BENZSPRINTER 2021 ₦1,986,499
MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER 2000-2013 ₦356,219
MITSUBISHI L200 (10%) 2022 ₦1,139,820
MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE CROSS 4X4 GLS CVT 2022 ₦1,727,019
MAZDA 3 2000-2013 ₦338,666
MAZDA CX-7 2000 – 213 ₦425,398
MAZDA CX-9 2000-2013 ₦533,812
MAZDA CX-9 2014 ₦659,779
MAZDA CX-9 2016 ₦902,421
MAZDA TRIBUTE 2000-2013 ₦345,864
BENTLEY BENTAYGA 2019 ₦7,579,717
BMW X3 2000-2013 ₦661,844
BMW X5 2000-2013 ₦₦929,267
BMW X6 2000-2013 ₦1,014,702
CHRYSLER PT CRUISER 2000-2013 ₦236,447
CHRYSLER SEBRING 2000-2013 ₦352,089
CHRYSLER VOYAGER 2000-2013 ₦425,398
CHRYSLER TOWN &COUNTRY ₦2000-2013 416,105
CHRYSLER 300 ₦2000-2013 466,698
CHRYSLER 300 2016 ₦788,603
CADILLAC CTS 2000-2013 ₦586,470
CADILLAC ESCALADE 2015 ₦1,712,948
CADILLAC ESCALADE 2016 ₦2,004,066
CHEVROLET EXPRESS 2000-2013 ₦678,365
CHEVROLET EXPRESS 2017 ₦1,175,006
CHEVROLET VOLT 2000-2013 ₦547,235
CHEVROLET VOLT 2016 ₦924,498
CHEVROLET SUBURBAN 2016 ₦1,745,704
CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2000-2013 ₦446,048
1500 CHEVROLET EQUINOX 2000-2013 ₦374,804
CHEVROLET EQUINOX 2017 ₦741,348
CHEVROLET CAMARO 2000-2013 ₦394,513
DODGE GRAND CARAVAN 2000-2013 ₦430,560
DODGE JOURNEY 2000-2013 ₦370,674
DODGE CHARGER 2015 ₦680,430
DODGE CHALLENGER 2014 ₦545,170
DODGE SPRINTER VAN 2000-2013 ₦686,625
DODGE DOKATA (BUS)10% 2000-2013 ₦155,910
DODGE RAM 1500 ST 2000-2013 ₦292,203
HYUNDAI ACCENT 2000-2013 ₦240,577
HYUNDAI ELANTRA 2000-2013 ₦301,495
HYUNDAI ELANTRA GT 2000-2013 ₦325,243
HYUNDAI ELENTRA 2017 ₦596,796
HYUNDAI ELENTRA 2018 ₦775,421
HYUNDAI SANTAFE 2000-2013 ₦411,975
HYUNDAI SANTAFE 2014 ₦509,032
HYUNDAI SANTAFE 2015 ₦595,358
HYUNDAI SANTAFE 2018 ₦1,058,284
HYUNDAI SANTAFE 2020 ₦1,528,127
HYUNDAI SONATA 2000-2013 ₦345,894
HYUNDAI SONATA 2014 ₦427,463
HYUNDAI SONATA 2015 ₦499,739
HYUNDAI SONATA HYBRID 2015 ₦614,024
HYUNDAI SONATA 2016 ₦584,405
HYUNDAI SONATA 2017 ₦₦683,527
HYUNDAI SONATA HYBRID 2000-2013 ₦424,365
HYUNDAI TUCSON 2000-2013 ₦371,624
HYUNDAI TUCSON 2016 ₦1,254,510
HYUNDAI TUCSON 2019 ₦1,116,008
HYUNDAI GENESIS 2000-2013 ₦359,316
HYUNDAI VERACRUZ 2000-2013 ₦407,845
HYUNDAI VELOSTER 2000-2013 ₦296,333
HYUNDAI AZERA 2000-2013 ₦420,864
FORD EXPLORER 2000-2013 ₦516,259
FORD EXPLORER 2014 ₦638,096
FORD EXPLORER 2016 ₦872,478
FORD EXPEDITION 2021 ₦4,194,958
FORD EDGE 2000-2013 ₦490,446
FORD EDGE 2015 ₦708,308
FORD EDGE 2017 ₦968,502
FORD ESCAPE 2000-2013 ₦392,357
FORD ESCAPE 2014 ₦484,251
FORD ESCAPE 2016 ₦662,877
FORD ESCALADE 2022 ₦7,619,985
FORD TRANSIT CONNECT 2000-2013 ₦514,194
FORD FIESTA 2000-2013 ₦307,690
FORD FUSION 2014 ₦493,544
FORD FUSION 2015 ₦578,210
FORD FUSION 2017 ₦790,909
FORD FLEX 2000-2013 ₦447,080
FORD FOCUS 2014 ₦237,479
FORD RANGER 2000-2013 ₦512,129
GMC SAVANA 2000-2013 ₦678,365
GMC ENVOY 2000-2013 ₦402,682
GMC YUKON DENALI 2000-2013 ₦1,068,419
GMC SIERRA 1500 2000-2013 ₦467,148
GMC ACADIA 2000-2013 ₦723,061
GMC TERRAIN 2000-2013 ₦394,513
KIA OPTIMA 2000-2013 ₦368,609
KIA OPTIMA 2019 ₦1,107,892
KIA SOUL 2000-2013 ₦275,682
KIA SOUL 2022 ₦1,798,998
KIA SPORTAGE 2000-2013 ₦377,902
KIA SORENTO 2000-2013 ₦425,398
INFINITI QX80 2014 ₦1,300,515
PEUGEOT 407 2000-2013 ₦382,032
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF 2000-2013 ₦345,894
VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT 2000-2013 ₦362,414
VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT 2015 ₦523,487
VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN 2000-2013 ₦393,389
VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG 2000-2013 ₦763,031
JEEP (CHEROKEE) 2014 ₦500,771
JEEP GLADIATOR 2021 ₦2,664,628
VOLVO S60 2000-2013 ₦568,918
VOLVO XC60 2000-2013 ₦632,934
VOLVO XC70 2000-2013 ₦757,868
VOLVO XC90 2000-2013 ₦761,998

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Customs

Beer merchants panic over tax stamp policy, seeks solace from Customs

Gloria Odion, Maritime reporter 
The proposed Tax Stamp policy of the Federal government has expectedly activated panic mode among beer industry leaders who have expressed anxiety of possible escalation in the production and consumer costs if the policy is eventually implemented.
Though, there is an ongoing dialogue between stakeholders and the government to manage the economic impact of the policy, the leaders of the brewing sector had sought more clarification on the policy from the Nigeria customs service when they engaged with the Comptroller- General of the Service, Adewale Adeniyi on Monday, May 11th, 2026.
The brewers have come to discuss the economic impact the proposed policy will have on their brewing business.
At the roundabout discussion, Adewale had emphasised the need for credible data, inclusive consultations and sustained stakeholder engagement in Nigeria’s ongoing fiscal and regulatory reforms.
‎
‎Speaking during the engagement, CGC Adeniyi stressed that policy decisions affecting strategic sectors of the economy must be guided by verifiable data and a clear understanding of prevailing market realities.
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“‎We need to have a clear understanding of what constitutes illicit trade. Some of these products are legitimately manufactured in Nigeria.
“In other jurisdictions,customs administrations are already engaging in discussions around how such products find their way across borders and into unauthorised markets” the CGC stated.
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‎He further underscored the importance of accuracy and credibility in industry data presented to policymakers, noting that sound policy formulation depends on reliable information.
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‎“One thing we need to understand more clearly is where some of these estimates came from.
“When we are making policy decisions of this nature, the credibility and accuracy of data must never be in doubt,” he added.
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‎Highlighting the Service’s ongoing modernisation efforts, Adeniyi noted that the NCS has continued to introduce reforms aimed at improving trade facilitation and enhancing operational efficiency across the supply chain.
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‎“We have consistently introduced initiatives aimed at facilitating trade. We introduced the Advance Ruling. We introduced the Authorised Economic Operator programme.
“We also rolled out several reforms on our own initiative, not because we were under pressure, but because we recognised the need to improve trade facilitation,” he said.
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‎On the proposed tax stamp initiative, the CGC clarified that consultations with stakeholders are still ongoing and that no final decision has been reached regarding implementation.
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‎“As far as I am concerned, consultations are still ongoing. If this initiative is legitimate and beneficial, then we all have a responsibility to ensure that we are heading in the right direction,” he stated.
‎He also encouraged private-sector operators to maintain constructive engagement with relevant government agencies to ensure that any eventual policy framework balances revenue protection with industrial sustainability and economic growth.
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‎Earlier, the leader of the delegation and Chief Executive Officer of Guinness Nigeria Plc, Girish Sharma, said the visit was aimed at presenting the industry’s position on the proposed tax stamp framework, which he noted has generated considerable discussion within the sector.
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‎Sharma acknowledged the importance of regulatory controls but maintained that the beer industry remains one of the most structured and highly regulated sectors in Nigeria, with limited exposure to counterfeiting risks.
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‎“We fully understand the purpose and importance of tax stamps, particularly in industries where counterfeiting is a major concern.
“However, within the beer sector, counterfeiting is minimal,” Sharma said.
‎He noted that existing compliance and monitoring systems already provide adequate visibility across production and distribution channels.
‎“From an end-to-end compliance perspective, we believe there is already sufficient transparency and oversight,” he added.
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‎Sharma also highlighted the industry’s contribution to employment generation, government revenue and economic growth, cautioning that additional regulatory measures should be carefully designed to avoid unintended impacts on the sector and the wider economy.
The 2026 tax stamp policy in Nigeria is a regulatory, security-focused, and mandatory track-and-trace system imposed by the government on excisable goods—including alcohol, tobacco, and sugar-sweetened beverages—to curb illicit trade and bolster revenue.
The policy, aimed at reducing smuggling and counterfeiting, requires high-security physical labels or digital codes to be affixed to products.
The policy applies to excisable products such as tobacco, alcohol, and sugary drinks, with specialized stamps for textile imports, such as the Red vs. Green stamps.
 Manufacturers must ensure compliance. Under the Nigeria Tax Act 2025, compliance is required, and failure to stamp documents within 30 days can lead to severe penalties, including a 10% penalty fee plus interest.
While the government aims to enhance revenue, manufacturers, particularly in the brewing sector, have raised concerns that the policy could significantly diminish profitability and increase consumer prices, with potential to create 100% loss in profits if implemented as proposed.
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Customs

At UNILORIN conference, Adeniyi advocates for human- driven technology for balanced developmental efforts

Gloria Odion, Maritime reporter 
‎
‎The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, has reaffirmed the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to responsible digital transformation and innovation driven governance during his keynote address at the 4th Biennial International Conference organised by the Faculty of Communication and Information Sciences, University of Ilorin, in collaboration with the Faculty of Philology, RUDN University, Russia.
‎
‎The conference, themed “Disruptive Technology: Human and Artificial Intelligence in the Digital Economy,” was held on Wednesday, 13 May 2026, at the University of Ilorin Main Auditorium.
The event attracted academics, communication experts, technology professionals, researchers, policymakers, and heads of government agencies to deliberate on the growing influence of digital innovation and artificial intelligence on governance, education, trade, and economic development.
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‎In his address, CGC Adeniyi stressed the importance of balancing technological advancement with human responsibility, noting that the future of the digital economy depends not only on artificial intelligence but also on ethics, leadership, and institutional capacity.
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‎“The digital age is, in the end, a human story, and the real test of our generation is not how powerful our machines become, but how wisely our societies choose to use them,” Adeniyi stated.
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‎He observed that disruptive technologies such as digital payments, e-commerce, artificial intelligence, and smart systems have already reshaped global operations, adding that the world is no longer preparing for disruption but actively functioning within it.
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‎According to him, government institutions must ensure that technological innovation strengthens transparency, public trust, and operational efficiency without compromising accountability.
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‎Drawing from the Nigeria Customs Service’s experience, the CGC highlighted ongoing digital transformation initiatives, particularly the deployment of the B’Odogwu Unified Customs Management System, which has significantly improved trade facilitation, cargo processing, and inter-agency collaboration.
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‎He disclosed that the platform generated over N230 billion at the PTML Command within its first eight months of deployment, while cargo clearance timelines for compliant traders have been reduced to less than eight hours.
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‎“The partnership, not the rivalry, between human and artificial intelligence is where the real value lies,” he said, adding that technology delivers optimal results when guided by strong institutional values and ethical standards.
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‎Adeniyi further noted that although artificial intelligence enhances efficiency, risk management, and decision-making, human expertise and leadership remain indispensable to effective governance and enforcement.
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‎“Technology changes processes  leadership and expertise still deliver the results,” he added.
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‎The CGC also called for stronger collaboration among universities, research institutions, and public agencies to develop practical solutions to emerging digital and governance challenges.
He urged academic institutions to move beyond theoretical learning and play a more active role in innovation and policy development.
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‎He identified areas where academia can support Customs modernisation efforts, including digital compliance systems, AI-driven risk management, public trust communication strategies, and the governance of cross border data flows.
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‎Adeniyi further advocated for the development of digital governance frameworks tailored to African realities, legal systems, and developmental priorities, emphasising that technological advancement must remain accountable to the people it serves.
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‎On the sidelines of the conference,the CGC engaged with heads of government agencies, scholars, communication professionals, traditional rulers, and institutional leaders on opportunities for collaboration in digital innovation, research, community development, and capacity building.
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Customs

Oshoba, Apapa Customs boss, charges officers on discipline, revenue, trade facilitation

Gloria Odion, Maritime reporter 

The Customs Area Controller (CAC), Nigeria Customs Service, Apapa Area Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, has charged officers and men of the Command to intensify revenue generation, strengthen anti-smuggling operations and uphold professionalism and discipline in the discharge of their duties.

Comptroller Oshoba gave the charge during the Command’s monthly parade held on Tuesday, 12 May 2026, at the Command headquarters in Apapa, Lagos.

The Area Controller emphasized the need for greater operational interventions across terminals to block revenue leakages while ensuring seamless trade facilitation and timely cargo clearance.

“Officers must protect the reputation of the Service. That is why any delay by any officer concerning any consignment will not be tolerated.

“Even at the gates. If a consignment is duly exited, there should be no delay at the gates,” he stated.

He also urged officers to remain accessible and professional in their dealings with stakeholders.

“You must make yourself accessible to our stakeholders and we must avoid actions capable of tarnishing the good image of the Service and the good work being done by the CGC and members of his management.

“We should not be seen as slugs in the wheels of progress,” Oshoba added.

The CAC further called for heightened vigilance against smuggling activities, especially illicit drugs and prohibited items, while warning officers against misconduct and improper dressing.

Highlight of the parade was the recognition of outstanding Officers and Units for exemplary service.

Assistant Comptroller of Customs Ismail Mohammed emerged as the Most Outstanding Officer of the Month, while CSC Augustine Ondoma, ASCI Bukola Olaleye and IC Olalekan Salawu were recognized for professionalism, innovation and punctuality respectively.

Similarly, officers of APM Terminal received the Excellence Award on Enforcement, while Officers of ECO SUPPORT Terminal received the Excellence Award on Revenue Generation.

Comptroller Oshoba explained that the award initiative was introduced to encourage hard work, excellence, professionalism and healthy competition among Officers and Units of the Command.

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