The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has disclosed that 223 companies have defaulted on the conditions of the Temporary Admission Permits (TAP) regime, resulting in a revenue loss amounting to ₦379,576,045,802.27 in bond value over the past three years.
In a statement issued Friday by the National Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Maiwada, the Service announced a 21-day grace period, effective Monday, July 28, 2025, for the affected importers to regularise their status.
According to the statement, importers are required to either apply for a valid extension, re-export the goods under Customs supervision, or convert the goods to home use by paying the appropriate duties.
The TAP regime, governed by international protocols such as the Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC) and Sections 142 to 144 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, permits temporary duty-free importation of goods on the condition that they are re-exported within a set timeframe without modification beyond normal wear and tear.
However, recent compliance checks revealed widespread violations. The 223 companies failed to re-export their goods or fulfill their obligation to convert them to home use with duty payments.
“All TAP beneficiaries are required to secure their duty exemption with bank bonds, serving as financial guarantees in case of non-compliance,” the statement added.
Typically, TAPs are valid for 12 months, extendable for another 12 months, with an additional six-month extension and a final six-month grace period available under special circumstances. Failure to comply after these windows constitutes a breach.
“In accordance with Section 143 of the NCS Act, 2023, the Service is empowered to liquidate the bond and credit the duty to the Federal Government’s account if an importer fails to comply,” Maiwada stated.
The Customs Service emphasized that the 21-day window is a final opportunity for defaulters to take corrective action. After the deadline, enforcement actions—including bond invocation, penalties, and possible legal proceedings—will commence.
The Service reaffirmed its commitment under Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi to uphold regulatory compliance, protect national revenue, and ensure the integrity of the TAP framework.
Importers and stakeholders are urged to act promptly to avoid sanctions.
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