By the 90-day window provided by the Federal Government of Nigeria for the regularization of import duty on improperly imported vehicles, the Customs Area Controller of Ondo/Ekiti Area Command, Comptroller MO Bewaji, organized a one-day sensitization awareness program on May 25, 2024, at the Customs House in Akure.
Comptroller Bewaji began the program by extending greetings from the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi (MFR), who initiated the reinvigorated Stakeholders Parleys in Nigeria Customs Service.
The sensitization and interactive session, as explained by Comptroller Bewaji, is based on the CGC’s three-point TRUST POLICY of Consolidation, Collaboration, and Innovation. She emphasized that this program is a significant roadmap towards unity, engaging in constructive dialogue, fostering collaboration, and strengthening partnerships to fulfil their roles in nation-building.
To alleviate the difficulties faced by Nigerians who find themselves involved in wrongful or improper vehicle importation, President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR), through the Comptroller General of Customs, has granted a 90-day window for individuals to regularize the import duty on their vehicles. This opportunity is available for those who imported their vehicles without paying duty or made inappropriate duty payments. The processes and procedures for regularization will be discussed during the session.
Comptroller Bewaji took the opportunity to advise individuals intending to purchase vehicles from car shops to exercise due diligence to avoid becoming victims of a crime they did not directly commit. She urged people to take the necessary documents to the nearest customs formation to verify their authenticity and ensure that the duty has been paid before making any payments.
Highlighting the importance of collaboration, Comptroller Bewaji emphasized the critical role it plays in achieving national goals. By working together, people can collectively address challenges, explore opportunities, and implement strategies that promote growth, sustainability, and prosperity.
Furthermore, Comptroller Bewaji assured the attendees that the Nigeria Customs Service, Ondo/Ekiti Area Command, will continue to bring stakeholders and the general community together to share information about government fiscal and trade policies that affect them and their businesses. This will help them stay updated with modern practices, obligations, and standards. She also mentioned that their offices are always open, and there is a dedicated help desk for enquiries on Customs imports, exports, excise, and other trade-related matters.
The sensitization program featured speakers from three different agencies: the Nigeria Customs Service, the Nigeria Immigration Service, and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.
In her concluding remarks, Comptroller Bewaji expressed her sincere appreciation to all the participants and encouraged them to take advantage of such engagements to establish meaningful connections, build bridges, and initiate dialogues for the sustainability of their roles in nation-building and the nation’s prosperity. She concluded her address by urging people to come forward and take advantage of the window to regularize the documents of their imported vehicles, aligning with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.