The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has uncovered a major compliance failure involving 223 companies who defaulted under the Temporary Admission Permit (TAP) scheme, potentially costing the Federal Government a staggering ₦379.5 billion in lost revenue.
The importers, according to a statement signed by NCS National Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Maiwada, neither re-exported the goods nor fulfilled the conditions for converting them to home use—contravening the terms of their bond-backed permits.
“After extensive compliance checks, it was discovered that 223 importers failed to meet TAP obligations, resulting in a cumulative bond value loss of ₦379.5 billion,” Maiwada disclosed on Friday.
To address the situation, Customs has introduced a 21-day grace window, starting Monday, 28th July 2025, allowing defaulting importers to regularise their status or face stiff enforcement action.
Under the TAP regime, goods may be temporarily imported into the country without full duty payment, on the condition that they are either re-exported within a specified timeframe or converted for domestic use upon payment of the necessary duties. The arrangement is recognised under the Revised Kyoto Convention and stipulated by Sections 142 to 144 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
Each TAP is originally valid for 12 months and may be extended for up to 24 months, with a further six-month discretionary extension and final grace period. Beyond that, any failure to comply is considered a breach, empowering the NCS to enforce bond recovery.
Maiwada warned: “This grace period is the final opportunity for importers to resolve outstanding obligations. After the 21 days lapse, enforcement will begin, including bond invocation, penalties, and potential legal action.”
He clarified that all TAP beneficiaries are required to back their exemptions with bank bonds, which act as financial guarantees should importers fail to comply.
Industry experts believe this move signals a broader enforcement push under the current Comptroller-General, Adewale Adeniyi, whose administration has emphasised tightening revenue loopholes and restoring confidence in customs processes.
“The Service remains committed to upholding regulatory compliance and ensuring that no importer takes undue advantage of concessionary regimes at the expense of national revenue,” Maiwada added.
