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From Uche Usim, Abuja
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has begun licensing companies and individuals wishing to set up vehicle-bonded terminals across the country.
The facility would be like a mini-port with a Customs outpost where duties could be paid, after the operator might have enjoyed a 28-day grace.
However, buyers would be the ones to pay the duty, thus relieving the importer of huge amount of money required to pay collective duty for all imported vehicles as it is the case at the conventional ports.
Public Relations Officer of Customs, Joseph Attah, who disclosed this to Daily Sun yesterday said only vehicles not sold after the 28-day grace are the ones the importer was expected to clear the outstanding duties.
He explained that automobiles destined for the bonded terminals upon arrival at the seaports, were moved to the facility under Customs escort.
According to him, the Customs management embraced the initiative following the ban of vehicle import via land borders, which came into effect in January.
He said many Nigerians, especially importers and clearing agents were saddened by the ban: “They felt their jobs have been taken from them. Even buyers felt access to imported vehicles directly have been drastically reduced.
“But the Customs management having studied why car dealers and buyers patronize parks in neighbouring countries, understood that they operate bonded terminals strictly for automobiles.
