Customs agents with licenses have expressed their opposition to the recently introduced system by the Nigeria Customs Service for processing vehicle clearances with nonstandard Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs).
The Ports & Terminal Multipurpose Limited (PTML) Command of the NCS recently unveiled an electronic platform to handle the clearance of used vehicles (tokunbo) that were not covered by the VIN valuation system.
According to a memo from the PTML Command’s Public Relations Officer, Mohammed Yakubu, the electronic platform for processing 846 vehicles with nonstandard VINs will begin operation on August 7, 2023. The memo indicated that manual applications would no longer be accepted for this process.
However, some customs agents, such as former PTML Chapter Chairman of the Nigerian Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders, Mr. George Okafor, noted that the platform is experiencing delays and has not been fully implemented, especially for trucks.
Mr. Thomas Alor, the PTML Chapter Chairman of NAGAFF, also highlighted that the new platform has led to delays in clearing imported vehicles, extending the clearance time beyond what was previously required.
In response to these complaints, a former Public Relations Officer of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents, Mr. Adeola Sulieman, acknowledged that minor delays are common when implementing new platforms and expressed hope that the issues would be resolved over time.
Contrarily, the Customs PRO countered the claims of delays, stating that the platform operates smoothly and efficiently without any delays. He suggested that some individuals may resist the automation and prefer the traditional manual application process.
The new platform has sparked controversy among customs agents, with differing opinions on its effectiveness and impact on the clearance process for imported vehicles.
