By Esther Ososanya
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has uncovered a massive violation of the Temporary Admission Permit (TAP) scheme, with 223 companies defaulting in ways that could cost the nation over ₦379.6 billion in unpaid customs duties.
In a statement issued Friday, July 25, the Service granted a 21-day grace period, beginning Monday, July 28, 2025.
During this window, all defaulting importers must regularise their importation status by applying for valid extensions, re-exporting goods under customs supervision, or converting them to home use by paying the appropriate duties.
Failure to act will result in enforcement measures.
“This is the final window,” the service warned. “Importers must take corrective action now.”
₦379 Billion in Bond Defaults
The TAP regime allows importers to bring goods into Nigeria without paying full import duties, on the condition that they either re-export the items within a specific period or pay the required duties to convert them to local use.
However, compliance audits revealed that 223 companies failed to meet these obligations.
These firms neither re-exported the goods nor converted them legally, triggering a total bond default of ₦379.6 billion.
TAP operates under global and local regulatory frameworks, including the Revised Kyoto Convention and Sections 142 to 144 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
By law, beneficiaries must secure their exemptions with bank bonds that serve as financial guarantees.
Normally, a TAP permit lasts for 12 months and is extendable for another year. In some cases, importers may request an additional six months, plus a final six-month grace period. Importers who fail to comply after these extensions violate the law.
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Section 143 of the NCS Act empowers Customs to discharge the bond as customs duty into the Federal Government’s account when importers default.
“This ultimatum is not just procedural,” Customs emphasised. “It aims to protect national revenue and uphold trade discipline.”
Enforcement Begins After Deadline
According to the service, enforcement actions will begin once the 21-day window closes. These actions may include calling in bond guarantees. Imposing financial penalties and filing legal proceedings.
Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, reaffirmed that the agency will pursue all necessary steps to ensure compliance and revenue protection.
“We must preserve the integrity of the temporary importation framework. Stakeholders should act responsibly,” he stated.
National Revenue at Stake
This development comes at a critical time when the federal government is working to close revenue gaps, boost trade transparency, and enforce fiscal discipline. Customs’ decisive action reflects growing pressure on agencies to eliminate loopholes and recover lost funds.
As the countdown begins, the NCS urges all affected parties to comply and avoid consequences that could damage their finances and reputations.
What is TAP?
Temporary Admission Permit (TAP) is a customs concession that allows goods to enter Nigeria without full duty payment provided thathe g goods are re-exported within an approved timeframe, the goods are not altered beyond normal use and the importer secures the entry with a bank bond
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
