The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) says it will re-introduce the suspended electronic valuation policy on Friday.
NCS said this in a letter dated May 17, 2022, and signed by Ajibola Odusany, NCS’ deputy controller, administration, on behalf of Yusuf Malanta, area controller in charge of the Apapa Command of the service.
The agency said there would be a sensitisation programme for stakeholders in the clearance chain in preparation for the redeployment.
“In line with the planned nationwide deployment of the VIN Valuation on Friday, 20 May 2022, and the need to continually enhance the platform for optimal performance and service delivery, the sensitisation which is scheduled to take place on Thursday, May 19, 2022, at 11:00 am is to hold at the Apapa Command conference hall. The Deputy Controller Administration, A Y. Odusanya, on behalf of the Customs Area Controller requested that clearing agents should send their representatives to attend, saying the session would benefit everyone and further clarify any question,” the letter reads.
Also known as vehicle inspection number (VIN), the policy has generated controversy since its introduction this year.
Maritime stakeholders and clearing agents associations had protested the deployment of the e-valuation policy and grounded activities at the ports.
The freight forwarders said the e-valuation system sharply increased duty paid on imported vehicles.
The objection forced NCS to suspend the implementation of the VIN policy, following the intervention of the house of representatives.
Confirming the latest development to TheCable, Kayode Farinto, acting national president, Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), said the association would speak after it attends the training.
“We’re going for the training. So, we can’t say anything until we’re through with the training,” he said.
“We had one in Abuja, and we’ve given them advice. So, based on our advice, they are coming with the training.”
CITN 24th Annual Tax Conference: Vice President Yemi Osinbajo Drums Support For FIRS Digitisation Agenda.
The Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) has been urged to support the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) in its drive towards full digitalisation of tax administrative processes.
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo SAN made this call in his speech at the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria’s (CITN) 24th Annual Tax Conference held at the International Conference Centre, Abuja.
The Vice President was represented at the event by the Executive Chairman of the FIRS, Muhammad Nami who delivered the address on his behalf.
Professor Osinbajo noted that the theme for the tax conference, “Global Disruption, Taxation and Digitalisation: Implication for Socio-Economic Development” aptly captures the prevailing realities within the national and global fiscal space.
He said, “Nigeria’s economy is fast digitalising. The digitalisation of the Nigerian economy means that the ways and manners of organising and doing businesses have changed. Indeed, the radical changes brought about by digitalisation have displaced the traditional approach to tax administration. Consequently, the digitalisation of tax administration is unavoidable, that is why our government has continued to heavily invest in the automation of tax administrative processes and digital infrastructure.”
He further noted that the government had provided the enabling environment for digitalised tax administration by making necessary tax policy changes, developing rules for taxation of the digital economy, enactment of required legislation, and providing necessary political backing for the team negotiating the new international tax rules for the digitalised economy.
The Vice President urged the institute to see its role in the society as a pillar for the country’s socio-economic development.
“The possible impact of non-compliance by taxpayers—whom you hold briefs for—on the government’s revenue and the larger society is crucial and must be given topmost priority while holding briefs for them.
“In doing so, you must always bear in mind the pronouncement of the Court of Appeal in Phoenix Motors v. National Provident Fund Management Board (1993) that it is in the best interest of the society at large that government be in revenue.
“It is through this prism that I see your Institute as a pillar for the socio-economic development of Nigeria and the emancipation of the downtrodden of our society. Without a doubt, your members will continue to discharge the solemn and sacred responsibility of ensuring that the interest of the larger society in Nigeria is not trodden upon; and this you must do with patriotic zeal.” He noted.
