Customs Gives Importers 2 Weeks To Clear Abandoned Vehicles

Importers of vehicles and their agents have received a two-week ultimatum from the PTML Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to clear abandoned vehicles imported in 2014, or forfeit them.

In a circular pasted on the wall at the PTML Customs Command office in Tin Can Island Port, Lagos, the Customs noted that some importers had abandoned their goods, mainly vehicles in the port for the past one year ,adding that they have two weeks to clear them.

The publication which listed names of the importers, agencies and details of the consignments, indicated that the importers and their agents have made declarations between January and December last year but have not paid for them.

The Customs Command therefore, gave the importers two weeks to pay or forfeit them as overtime cargoes.

The list of the affected goods is over 2,000.

Affected importers who had paid but not cleared them were advised to show evidence of payment to enable them take delivery of the goods.

The Customs also warned that failure to comply with the directive may lead to suspension of the declarant or agency and the consignee in the ASYCUDA system.

However, a Customs source said that the Customs Service does not rush to auction people’s vehicles, until enough time has been given to them to clear them without compliance.

Many clearing agents were seen at the scene checking through the publication yesterday.

“It is this threat that the agents have taken serious and have been making frantic efforts to clear the goods,” said the Customs officer, who did not want his name in print, because he was not permitted to speak with the media. (Leadership)