The Nigeria Customs Service has debunked a 76 million bribery allegation by a 70-year-old US returnee, Mr. Olukayode David-Albert.
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In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Public Relations Officer, Tincan Island Port Command, SC Ngozi Okwara, dismissed the allegation, saying the accusation was not true and misleading.
“The attention of the Nigeria Customs Service, Tincan Island Port Command, has been drawn to an online publication by a 70-year-old US returnee, Mr. Olukayode David-Albert, alleging frustration over the sum of ₦76 million purportedly demanded to clear his two vehicles and personal belongings. The Command considers it necessary to address these claims and provide the public with factual clarity regarding the situation.
“In line with the ECOWAS Common External Tariff (CET) 2022–2026, Schedule 2 No. 8 (3), it is expressly stated 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 per cent, a levy of 20%, and a Value Added Tax (VAT) of 7.5 per cent, 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,” she said.
She explained that the Command will stick to its statutory mandate of trade facilitation no matter whose Ox is gored
“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 Tincan Island Port Command will continue to enforce the law without fear or favor while supporting legitimate trade,” she stated.
Recall that A 70-year-old U.S. returnee, Mr. Olukayode David-Albert, had expressed frustration over the N76 million demanded by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to clear his two vehicles and personal belongings.
Speaking with in Ibadan, David-Albert, who spent 30 years in the U.S., described the experience as disheartening and accused customs officials of institutionalized corruption.
“I was warned by friends not to return to Nigeria, but I decided to come home. Now, I see why many Nigerians abroad are scared to return,” he said.
David-Albert explained that he arrived in Nigeria on September 17, 2024, while his container reached Lekki Port on October 3. However, he was informed that his container could not be located until October 27, only to later discover it had been moved to Libra Terminal in Ikorodu, causing further delays.
Seeking assistance from clearing agents, he received shocking quotes: N3.3 million for a 2011 Chrysler, N70.8 million for a 2024 Hyundai SUV, and N2 million for household goods, totaling N76 million. After negotiations, the “compromise value” was reduced to N53.5 million, including additional fees for valuation, headquarters approval, and other charges.
“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 recounted.
Despite his willingness to pay the legitimate statutory duty, David-Albert claimed 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,” he lamented.
David-Albert urged Nigerians to call on the NCS to address the issue and ensure a fair resolution, stating, “I don’t want my 30 years of hard work to go to waste.”
His experience highlights ongoing concerns about transparency and corruption in Nigeria’s customs processes, raising questions about how the system impacts returning citizens and international trade.
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