Senate Orders Customs to Cancel Vehicle Duty Deadline

By Dipo Olowookere

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has been directed by the Senate to stop its one-month ultimatum given to vehicle owners in the country to pay duties on their vehicles or risk losing such automobiles to the Federal Government.

At the plenary on Tuesday, a member of the red chamber, Mr Bala Na’Allah, who is the Deputy Senate Leader, moved a motion on the matter.

Mr Na’Allah told his colleagues the customs’ ultimatum would subject Nigerians into another hardship, describing it as anti-people.

He urged the Senate to direct the customs to suspend the move in the interest of the Nigerian people.

Contributing to the matter, Mr Dino Melaye faulted the customs, saying it was trying to punish Nigerians for its incompetence.

According to Mr Melaye, it was not possible for anyone to import vehicle into Nigeria without clearance or collaboration of the customs.

After the matter was debated, the Senate, presided over by its President, Mr Bukola Saraki, passed a resolution asking the agency to suspend the move until its meets its Committee on Customs for clarification.