KOREDE FOGO
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has described clearing agents protesting against the introduction of Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Valuation policy recently introduced on impotted vehicles as selfish, self centered and hypocritical.
Recall that clearing agents on Monday protested against the recently launched policy by shutting down the two seaports Tin-Can Island and PTML-following the expiration of the 72 hours strike notice issued by all registered freight forwarding associations operating at the PTML Terminal and Tin Can Island port to the Comptroller General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ali (rtd).
The agents argued that the value being issued to be paid on imported vehicles have risen by almost 300 per cent making the agents seal off the popular Car Park C at the Tin Can Island Port.
However, reacting to the clearing agents protest, the national public relations officer of the Service, Timi Bomodi said the motive behind ongoing protests is profiteering at the expense of the country from vehicle importation and clearing at the ports.
Bomodi, in a post on a WhatsApp group monitored by BUSINESSinsiderng said the newly introduced VIN valuation method is in response to demands by some port users who hitherto demanded simplification, harmony and transparency in valuation of vehicles for purpose of duty payment.
Bomodi wrote, “The truth is that most of the individuals protesting the introduction of VIN-Valuation do not care about automation, simplification, harmonisation or even transparency in the system.
“They do not care about the wellbeing of the country or the industry they claim to represent. All they care about are the personal benefits accruable from milking the system.
“They want to pay as little import duty as possible and keep the chunk of the monies for themselves.
“These persons advocate chaos rather than order. They thrive in wheeling, dealing environments where the price of everything is negotiable.
While urging well meaning Nigerians to embrace the VIN method which relies on artificial intelligence devoid of human contact, Bomodi said users of the system can pay duty after the automated assessment.
He also enjoined port users to always make sincere declarations as a way to achieve speedy clearance of their cargoes from customs control.
“NCS under the able leadership of Col. Hameed Ibrahim Ali (Rtd) is poised to rewrite history by reinventing Customs operations in its entirety. The vision of this administration is to create environments conducive for facilitating trade that is consistent and predictable with little to non human interference. VIN-Valuation is only one in a series of innovations designed for this purpose. The earlier agents and importers come to terms with this reality the better it will be for everyone.
“NCS therefore urges well meaning Nigerians to embrace the electronic services that are being put at their disposal. Importers who have valid Tax Identity Numbers (TIN) can do self assessment and pay duty by themselves. We implore licensed Customs agents to also be honest in their declarations as it will go a long way in expediting the release of their goods out of Customs control.”
“NCS under the able leadership of Col. Hameed Ibrahim Ali (Rtd) is poised to rewrite history by reinventing Customs operations in its entirety. The vision of this administration is to create environments conducive for facilitating trade that is consistent and predictable with little to non human interference. VIN-Valuation is only one in a series of innovations designed for this purpose. The earlier agents and importers come to terms with this reality the better it will be for everyone.”
“NCS therefore urges well meaning Nigerians to embrace the electronic services that are being put at their disposal. Importers who have valid Tax Identity Numbers (TIN) can do self assessment and pay duty by themselves. We implore licensed Customs agents to also be honest in their declarations as it will go a long way in expediting the release of their goods out of Customs control.”