A 70-year-old U.S. returnee, Mr. Olukayode David-Albert, has expressed frustration over the N76 million demanded by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to clear his two vehicles and personal belongings.

Speaking with Vanguard in Ibadan, David-Albert, who spent 30 years in the U.S., described the experience as disheartening and accused customs officials of institutionalized corruption.

“I was warned by friends not to return to Nigeria, but I decided to come home. Now, I see why many Nigerians abroad are scared to return,” he said.

David-Albert explained that he arrived in Nigeria on September 17, 2024, while his container reached Lekki Port on October 3. However, he was informed that his container could not be located until October 27, only to later discover it had been moved to Libra Terminal in Ikorodu, causing further delays.

Seeking assistance from clearing agents, he received shocking quotes: N3.3 million for a 2011 Chrysler, N70.8 million for a 2024 Hyundai SUV, and N2 million for household goods, totaling N76 million. After negotiations, the “compromise value” was reduced to N53.5 million, including additional fees for valuation, headquarters approval, and other charges.

“When the customs officers realized I would not pay bribes, they delayed the process. They even suggested I offer a ‘soft landing’ fee to lower the duty but I refused,” he recounted.

Despite his willingness to pay the legitimate statutory duty, David-Albert claimed customs officials withheld the required forms, threatening to auction his properties if the duty remained unpaid within a certain timeframe.

“When the stress became unbearable, I begged them to release just my personal effects, including my medication, but they refused,” he lamented.

David-Albert urged Nigerians to call on the NCS to address the issue and ensure a fair resolution, stating, “I don’t want my 30 years of hard work to go to waste.”

His experience highlights ongoing concerns about transparency and corruption in Nigeria’s customs processes, raising questions about how the system impacts returning citizens and international trade. (Sunday Vanguard)