The Association of Motor Dealers of Nigeria has called on the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, to investigate alleged corrupt practices involving highway enforcement officers and the controversial issue of “short payment” on imported vehicles.
National President of AMDON, Ajibola Adedoyin, accused some Customs officers of harassing vehicle importers and dealers despite vehicles having valid clearance documents issued at Nigerian ports.
Speaking on the issue, Adedoyin explained that importers depend on licensed Customs agents to process vehicle valuation, duty assessment, and clearance procedures before automobiles leave the ports.
According to him, once Customs officers approve and sign the necessary documents, importers expect the process to be final.
However, he alleged that highway enforcement officers frequently stop vehicles during transit and accuse dealers of underpaying import duties. In many cases, the officers reportedly claim that vehicles were undervalued and demand additional payments from dealers transporting automobiles across the country.
Adedoyin stated that the practice has created opportunities for extortion and illegal collection of money from vehicle dealers. He claimed that some dealers lose up to N800,000 on a single vehicle due to delays, intimidation, and unofficial payments demanded during road interceptions.
The AMDON president further criticized the failure of some officers to recognize the Customs verification portal introduced to authenticate duty payments through Vehicle Identification Number checks. He said the digital platform was designed to reduce unnecessary road checks and confirm that appropriate duties had already been paid.
Despite the system, Adedoyin alleged that some officers deliberately ignore the portal and continue demanding money from importers. He warned that the situation is increasing the overall cost of vehicles in Nigeria as dealers transfer the extra financial burden to consumers.
Responding to the allegations, Customs spokesperson Abdullahi Maiwada stated that underpayment occurs when import duties paid are below the legally assessable amount owed to the government. He explained that properly declared consignments cleared without compromise remain valid after leaving the port, but compromised transactions may still be subject to investigation.
Maiwada also encouraged members of the public to report any cases of misconduct or extortion involving Customs officers for appropriate disciplinary action.
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