Still on the Nigerian Custom Service Duties on Cars -By Jeff Okoroafor

Comptroller General of the Nigerian Custom Service, Hameed Ali

I have tried to weigh the pros and cons of going ahead with Nigerian Custom Service policy on revenue generation, as it pertains the paying of duties on both old and new cars. The cons heavily outweighs the pros and the outcome of such if put to practice, will be unimaginably disastrous. There will be revolt, unpleasantness and there definitely will be trouble.

I am completely against the demand that Nigerians should pay duties on cars that they bought on the shelf or on display. Whatever way we look at it, it’s totally irresponsible and opportunistic of the Nigerian Customs Service.

Like I queried when I first heard about it, why can’t they go to car dealers or car display points, or showrooms to ascertain which of the importers and sellers have circumvent the payment systems or rules.

Hameed Ali have chosen a very wrong time to vindictively prey on Nigerians. A majority of car owners did not import their cars directly so why blame them or hunt them for the corruption done at the ports?

Hameed Ali should concentrate on cleaning up the ports and by so doing Nigerians will automatically get themselves cleaned.

Let’s be careful of starting what we cannot finish.