Auto Importers Urged To Inculcate Transparency in Declaration … As PTML Customs Sensitizes Stakeholders On VIN Valuation

The Customs Area Controller of Ports Terminal Multiservices Limited (PTML) Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, Comptroller Saidu Abba Yusuf, has once again urged importers of vehicles and their agents to imbibe transparency while making declarations for their imported vehicles

Comptroller Yusuf who said this at a stakeholders sensitization meeting held on Wednesday August 29, 2023 on Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) valuation dispelled the rumours that the VIN method has been cancelled.

According to a press release by the command’s image maker, CSC Yakubu Muhammad,, the Area Controller reiterated an earlier position on the matter issued by the Nigeria Customs Service headquarters that the VIN Valuation Process remains fully operational and effective, he added that 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 said the trim of vehicles are not same for all kinds while urging declarants to have their transaction values. He blamed some declarants for not being transparent because they go inputing what they think is the lowest base value which necessitates interventions like demand notice and alerts.

He however, advised vehicle importers and the or agents to apply invoice and transaction values as a way of promoting transparency and building integrity in the trade process of vehicle clearance.

Comptroller Yusuf said Section 24 Nigeria Customs Service Act (NCSA) 2023 provides for advance ruling for stakehokders to submit to the NCS before a transaction and the ruling will be binding on the service and the importer or agent. This according to the Controller is a unique trade facilitation method provided for by the new law

He reminded 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 which saves time and makes trade easier.

In his words, "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”.

The Command’s helmsman implored stakeholders not to hesitate to call his attention or the command’s help desk whenever they experience undue delay in the process, “Whereever 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” the CAC concluded

Comments

NAGAFF Petitions IGP Over Alleged Extortion, Harassment by Maritime Police at Lagos Ports

The 100% Compliance Team of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) over alleged unlawful conduct, extortion, intimidation, harassment and obstruction of trade by officers of the Maritime Police Command operating around Nigerian seaports. The petition, dated August 14, 2026 and addressed to the Inspector-General of Police at Force Headquarters, Abuja, specifically identified the Lagos Port Complex, Apapa; Tin-Can Island Port and other designated port locations, including bonded terminals, as areas where the alleged misconduct is taking place. In the petition, which was signed by Alhaji Ibrahim Tanko, the National Coordinator of 100% Compliance Team, NAGAFF described the situation as a growing impediment to trade facilitation and a factor contributing to the rising cost of doing business in Nigeria. According to the association, freight forwarding practitioners have, over a sustained period, repo...

NCS Medical Team Trains Apapa Area Command Officers On First Aid

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) medical team yesterday trained officers and men of the Apapa Area Command on basic first aid training. ‎ ‎The Customs Area Controller of the Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba according to a press release issued by the public relations officer of the command, Superintendent of Customs SC JT Ayagbalo described the initiative as a crucial investment in workplace safety and operational readiness. ‎ ‎In his welcome address, Comptroller Oshoba emphasized that the programme reflects the priority placed on staff welfare by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR. ‎ ‎He described first aid knowledge as a universal life skill that every adult should possess, especially officers as they are frequently exposed to high-risk operational environments. ‎ ‎ Oshoba noted that simple but timely interventions such as; CPR, bleeding control, choking relief and stroke recognition often determine whether a victim survives, fully recov...

NCS Seizes 13 Containers of Unwholesome Imports

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area Command has intercepted 13 containers with over 7.6 tonnes of cannabis sativa, 170,000 bottles of codeine syrup, security-sensitive drones and large quantities of expired consumer and pharmaceutical products. The Comptroller-General of Customs, CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, PhD, MFR, disclosed this during a press briefing held at the Apapa Area Command in the presence of the Customs Area Controller of the command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba and heads of other sister agencies earlier today, 10th September, 2026, according to CGC, the seized consignments have a combined duty-paid value of ₦43.59 billion. He said the seizures were made as a result of sustained intelligence-led operations supported by enhanced cargo profiling, risk assessment, documentary scrutiny and targeted physical examination. "The containers behind me are not an isolated event and they should not be reported as one; the Service’s mandate extends beyond revenue c...

Maritimegistplus

Search This Blog