…challenges David-Albert to present evidence for investigation, further action
The Tin Can Island Port Customs Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has responded to an allegation of corruption and attempted extortion perpetrated by its officers in the testimony of a 70-year-old Nigerian, Mr. Olukayode David-Albert, who has just returned from the United States.
In David-Albert’s testimony published by Vanguard Newspaper on Sunday, December 29, he claimed he was asked to pay the sum of N3.3 million for a 2011 Chrysler, N70.8 million for a 2024 Hyundai SUV, and N2 million for household goods, totaling N76 million such that after negotiation, a “compromise value” of N53.5 million was reached.
David-Albert said: “When the customs officers realized I would not pay bribes, they delayed the process. They even suggested I offer a ‘soft landing’ fee to lower the duty but I refused.”
He added that although he was willing to pay the appropriate duty, the customs officials withheld the required forms, threatening to auction his properties if the duty remained unpaid within a certain timeframe.
“When the stress became unbearable, I begged them to release just my personal effects, including my medication, but they refused.”
The Command in a statement by it’s Public Relations Officer, SC Ngozi Okwara, described the allegations as “disheartening” and “unsubstantiated” while challenging David-Albert to present evidence for investigation and further action.
Part of the statement reads: “The ECOWAS Common External Tariff (CET) 2022–2026, Schedule 2 No. 8 (3), expressly states that goods classified as “baggage” for Nigerian citizens who have resided outside Nigeria for at least nine months may be brought in duty-free.
“However, this provision explicitly excludes vehicles or goods intended for sale, barter, or exchange. Consequently, while Mr. David-Albert is eligible to import his personal belongings duty-free, the two vehicles in his consignment are not exempted from duty payments.
“Specifically, the luxurious 2024 Hyundai SUV attracts an Import Duty rate of 20%, a levy of 20%, and a Value Added Tax (VAT) of 7.5%, in compliance with Nigeria’s customs regulations.
“The Command determined the appropriate duty value for the two vehicles to be ₦34,969,374.00. This value is significantly less than the ₦53.5 million alleged as a “compromise” amount in the publication.”
“It is disheartening that Mr. David-Albert has resorted to making unsubstantiated claims in the media rather than complying with established procedures. The Command categorically states that at no point did any officer of the Tincan Island Port Command request for ₦76 million as alleged.
“If Mr. David-Albert has evidence of such misconduct, he is encouraged to come forward and identify the said officer for further necessary action.
“The Command further wishes to remind the public that one of the core roles of the Service is to facilitate the clearance of legitimate goods.
“However, the onus remains on Mr David to meet the statutory requirements for duty payment. It is pertinent to note that similar regulations apply in advanced countries where Mr. David-Albert previously resided, and such behavior of attempting to circumvent due process would not be entertained there.
“The Nigeria Customs Service remains committed to upholding transparency, professionalism, and fairness in its operations. The Tin Can Island Port Command will continue to enforce the law without fear or favor while supporting legitimate trade.”
