By Chinonye Anyatonwu
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) is set to implement an updated version of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) valuation system which captures accidented vehicles, depreciation in value and other challenges earlier identified by freight agents.
Addressing stakeholders in Apapa, the NCS Valuation Controller, Comptroller Anthony Udenze noted that the implementation of the new VIN valuation system will commence on Monday.
According to Udenze, the VIN valuation system is aimed at facilitating trade and the new values have been unified and simplified.
Compt. Udunze stated that there were cases where values given by various commands are different from others, calls for unification of value from the valuation unit to all customs commands.
He recalls that,”Two months ago we deployed this valuation and there was outcry, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ali (Rtd) in his magnanimity listened to the cry of stakeholders and set up a committee to review the process and the committee worked assiduously to come up with something that would be acceptable by all. We drew up officers from various Command’s valuation unit and today we can tell you that what we will present today will be acceptable globally.”
According to Comptroller Udenze, the new VIN Valuation system considers all including accidented and savage vehicles, noting that uniformity in values from all the customs commands has been achieved also.
He however posited that the members of House of Representatives also approved the new VIN valuation system.
Speaking at the Stakeholders meeting, the Area Controller of Apapa Customs Command, Comptroller Malanta Yusuf described the VIN valiation policy as a testament that Customs will not stay static as the world evolves with automation.
He, however, noted that if there is anything in need of adjustment, the NCS is also willing to make the necessary adjustment on the VIN valuation.
Meanwhile, the, Acting President of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Dr Kayode Farinto, on behalf of Freight Forwarders
stressed the need for compliance by freight agents.
He urged Customs to guarantee auto-release of vehicles, noting that auto-release is the right of agents and customs should also do the needful so that port business operate smoothly as he condemned the Customs approach of arbitrarily increasing the value of Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR), arguing that it is not professional.
