NCS begins safe passage scheme for personal vehicles

Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) says it has begun procedures for granting safe passage to personal vehicles temporarily imported or transiting through Nigeria by international travellers.

NCS`s Comptroller-General (C-G), Bashir Adeniyi, made the announcement in a statement by the service`s spokesperson, Abdullahi Maiwada, published on all its verified social media handles.

Maiwada said the initiative was in line with NCS Act, 2023 and with relevant international conventions on temporary admission and transit of vehicles.

He said that the new framework covered all personal, non-commercial vehicles belonging to international travellers visiting Nigeria for tourism, diplomatic, business or personal purposes.

He added that the initiative sought to ease cross-border movement, strengthen Nigeria’s compliance with international obligations and reinforce the nation’s commitment to trade facilitation and regional integration.

“It is pertinent to note that this implementation draws legal backing from Sections 142, 143, 144, and 245 of the NCS Act, 2023. As well as the Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC), UN TIR Convention (1975), Istanbul Convention (1990), and the ECOWAS Protocol on Free Movement of Persons, Residence, and Establishment.

“It also aligns with WCO Guidelines on Temporary Admission and the Carnet de Passages en Douane (CPD) regulations,” he said. According to him, international travellers are required to present valid documents such as international passport, international driver’s license, vehicle registration, insurance and CPD at the point of entry.

Upon satisfactory inspection and verification, he said a Temporary Vehicle Admission Permit valid for up to 90 days would be issued and electronically recorded.

He added that travellers could apply for an extension of up to 30 days, subject to approval by the relevant Customs Area Controller.

Maiwada said that vehicles admitted under this regime were free to move within Nigeria but cannot be sold, leased, transferred, modified or used for commercial purposes.

At the point of exit, he said, travellers should present the vehicle and the approved customs Temporary Admission Declaration. According to him, in the event of an accident, theft, or breakdown, the nearest Customs office should be notified immediately for documentation and guidance.

He reaffirmed the NCS`s commitment to transparency and accountability while facilitating legitimate travel. He said the initiative aimed to strengthen Nigeria’s role in cross-border cooperation and ensures compliance with existing regulations to enhance security and efficiency. (NAN)