The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) says it has seized over 100 assorted, high-end exotic vehicles from individuals and corporations who didn’t pay duties or paid inappropriate charges on them.
The development is in furtherance of NSC drive to holistically tackle smuggling in the country.
The Deputy Comptroller of Customs and Coordinator of Rapid Response Squad (RRS) at the headquarters, Jack Okpabi, spoke while briefing journalists on his team’s quarterly achievements at the Karu Government Warehouse in Abuja.
He described the media briefing as a great opportunity to enlighten the public about the activities of the Nigeria Customs Service, adding the event was for the second quarter.
The brand of vehicles include; Toyota Hilux, Toyota Land Cruiser, Lexus and other Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) and sedans.
According to him, out of the over 100 vehicles seized, 38 have been forfeited to the Federal Government.
He implored relevant stakeholders to work with its officers and men to effectively tackle smuggling of vehicles into Nigeria.
Okpabi noted that smuggling has become a troubling type of economic sabotage, which should not be allowed to thrive.
He added that the onslaught against smugglers will lead to the realisation of over N400 million through demand notices.
Okpabi also stated that the tasks of suppressing smuggling, facilitating trade and generating revenue for the government require a great deal of stakeholder support to succeed.
He said: “I want to thank some stakeholders for sustaining the alliance with NCS in the area of subduing smuggling in Nigeria. It is a challenging task to square up against smugglers but with stakeholders’ support, we shall succeed.
“However, some bad elements are bent on smuggling vehicles into the country. I also wonder why people insist on buying such vehicles because it’s risky. It will be seized when intercepted. The recent operation which led to the interception of over a 100 Toyota Hilux, Toyota Landcruiser and other models of exotic vehicles has saved the country from losing huge revenue that would have gone down the drain.
“On this note, I want to emphasize that the Service will not hesitate to bring to book any offender caught smuggling vehicles into Nigeria, and they will be charged with smuggling offences, even if they’re Customs officers. This matter is decisive to us and will not be taken lightly”, Okpabi said.
The RRS Coordinator emphasized that the law does not allow or grant waivers to any private, government-owned institution including the Nigeria Customs Service or individuals to import vehicles without the payment of Customs duties
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