Customs Begins Enforcement of Improved VIN Valuation Today at Ports
HAMMED ALI CUSTOMS CG
*Ag. ANLCA President welcomes new policy
By Our Reporter
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) will today begin enforcement of the controversial Vehicle Inspection Number (VIN) on imported vehicles after close to two months suspension.
But the new VIN has been rebranded with customs agents applauding the exercise after a sensitization exercise carried out on Thursday.
The enforcement is seen as in keeping with the statement from the Comptroller General of Customs Retd Col Hameed Ali who had insisted after the suspension of the policy that it has come to stay.
It would be recalled that the policy was suspended in March following protests by Customs agents.
But Ali had said, “It is now one valuation for the same type of vehicle anywhere. We are moving forward; we can’t be retrogressive. When the freight forwarders came up with their issue of not liking the platform I was surprised because these were the same people that put us on the edge. So, I think it has come to stay and we will make sure it succeeds. Anytime I come to the port, there has been this issue of uniformity for values. They have complained of multiple valuations when they go to Apapa port, Tin Can and PTML where they get different values”.
In a letter signed by Deputy Controller, Administration, Apapa Area Command and dated May 17, the Customs said the VIN implementation would follow awareness creation among stakeholders in preparation for deployment.
The letter reads, “In line with the planned nationwide deployment of the VIN Valuation on Friday, 20 May 2022, and the need to continually enhance the platform for optimal performance and service delivery”.
The awareness creation with agents started Thursday, May 19 in Lagos.
Customs agents who attended the event commended the Customs for improving on the new VIN.
The Acting President of Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Dr. Kayode Farinto said the new VIN has taken care of the earlier ugly observations.
He said, “This is very good. The new VIN valuation system has accommodated all our observations, even though there is room for improvement.
“It has taken care of the savage vehicles and accidented vehicles, which the first VIN didn’t consider”.
The Customs Area Controller of Apapa Command, Comptroller Malanta Yusuf, in his opening speech at the sensitization programme called on all stakeholders to embrace the new VIN and indeed automation, adding that this was the only way to make clearance of goods faster.
Yusuf also called on the customs agents to be compliant in their declarations for them to enjoy the new system.
Other Comptrollers who attended the programme include Festus Okun of the Ports Terminal Multiservices Limited (PTML),
Kunle Oloyede of Tin Can Island Port, Hammi Swomen of Kirikiri Lighter Terminal Command and Anthony Udenze of the Tariff and Trade Department at Customs headquarters.
All the Customs Controllers defended the new system, adding that with compliance from the customs agents, the system offers smooth and faster operations.
The Ag. ANLCA President also called on customs agents to ensure that they were compliant in accordance with the guidelines.
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