Customs Agents Oppose New N4,600 Charge Imposed by Lagos State Government on Imported Vehicles
Customs agents have expressed their opposition to a new charge of N4,600 imposed by the Lagos State government on all imported vehicles leaving ports in the state. The Temporary Vehicle Tag (TVT) charge was introduced by the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation’s Motor Vehicle Administration Agency (MVAA). This development has caused tension among port users and vehicle importers who have vowed to resist the introduction of the new charge. The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has also linked the TVT payment to the Terminal Delivery Order (TDO), and directed terminal operators not to release any vehicle without evidence of payment. The Managing Director of the Lagos State Wharf Landing Fee Collection Authority, Mr. Gboyega Savaldor, confirmed the development, stating that the introduction of the charge is for the security of everybody living in Lagos. However, clearing agents at the port have lamented being overtaxed by the Lagos Government as they already pay Wharf Landing Fees on all cargoes, including vehicles.
But the Youth Leader of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) at Tin Can Island Port, Comrade Remilekun Sikiru counted Salvador, saying that the Lagos State Government first came to the port in December 2022 and claimed that the TVT would replace the Wharf Landing Fees.
“They came around last year around December, they claim this will replace the Wharf landing payment, I called and spoke with the coordinator whose phone was on the flyer, and he told me that with the sticker which cost about 4,600 the vehicle can be driven within Lagos for one month
“I told him this sticker should be directed to the dealers who take their vehicles around before they are sold.
“The truth remains that they want to take advantage of the fact that lots of vehicles come out of the port and want to compel the clearing agents to make this payment, furthermore they will begin operation with the task force to enforce payment for the sticker,” he said.
He added that “They have been forcing terminals to include TVT receipt and confirmation as part of the documents for TDO (Terminal Delivery Order).”
Another Customs agent, Emeka Mba, General Manager, Zenith Customs Brokers said that the introduction of the new charge will be resisted adding that there are some charges with no services rendered.
Reacting to the development at the Nigerian Shippers Council, NSC, the port economic regulator told our Correspondent that the Council is not aware of the introduction of the charge.
Speaking to Vanguard, Chief Agu Cajetan, Director, of Consumer Services of the NSC said that the Council still views the development as a rumor adding that until the affected people come with their complaints.
He said: “We are not aware of the development, we have heard it like a rumor, and we are waiting for complainants to come forward. This is a country where anybody can wake up in the morning and impose any charge without recourse to the Nigerian Shippers Council.”
