Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) issues a stern warning against purchasing vehicles with tampered Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) or chassis numbers, emphasizing the severe legal consequences attached to such actions.
Comptroller Chedi Wada of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘B’ conveyed this cautionary message during a press briefing, highlighting the interception of 12 smuggled used vehicles during the specified period.
The practice of altering VINs by car smugglers has become increasingly prevalent, aimed at avoiding detection or manipulating duty payments, according to Comptroller Wada. He urged the public to diligently inspect both the VIN on the windscreen and the chassis of any vehicle they intend to purchase to verify its authenticity.
Underlining the legal gravity of this offense, Comptroller Wada emphasized the stipulations of Section 236 (b) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, which imposes a hefty fine of N2,000,000.00 or a two-year imprisonment term, or both, on offenders.
Encouraging compliance, Wada reminded citizens of the 90-day window provided to rectify irregularly imported vehicles, acknowledging government initiatives aimed at alleviating financial burdens, such as the suspension of penalties on such imports.