Sequel to intervention of the leadership of the National Assembly, the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Col Hameed Ali (rtd) has suspended the implementation of the recently introduced vehicle duty policy.
A statement by the spokesperson for the Customs, Joseph Attah, on Wednesday, reads:
“Following the unnecessary tension generated as a result of misconception and misrepresentation of the Nigeria Customs Service planned motor duty payment, the leadership of the National Assembly and the Comptroller-General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ali (Rtd) met with a view to resolving the impasse.
“They both agreed that the proposed motor duty payment, though in line with the provision of Customs and Excise Management Act (CEMA) Cap C.45, LFN 2004 should be put on hold while the Senate Committee on Customs & Excise interfaces with the NCS for further discussions.
“While payment of duty on vehicles or indeed any dutiable imported item remains a civic responsibility of every patriotic Nigerian, NCS Management has directed that the exercise be put on hold while expressing readiness to engage the Senate Committee on further discussions to bring them on board to understand the importance of the exercise to national security and economy.”
Prompt News reports that the controversial policy has been widely criticised, compelling the Senate to summon the Customs boss to appear before it to explain the rationale behind the decision.
