According to a report by the Punch on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, motor vehicle dealers across Nigeria’s South-West region staged a protest on Monday against what they describe as systematic harassment and extortion by officers of the Nigeria Customs Service.
The demonstrators, operating under the Association of Motor Dealers of Nigeria, gathered at the Ondo/Ekiti Command headquarters in Akure, carrying placards with messages such as “We pay duty, stop the harassment” and “Customs – Uphold the Law, Not Extortion.”
The dealers allege that despite properly clearing vehicles at Lagos ports and paying all required duties, customs officers repeatedly stop them on highways for arbitrary re-evaluations and demand additional unofficial payments. Association National Vice President Alhaji Ibrahim Adeniyi articulated their frustration, stating, “They collect money from us at the port, and when we get to our states, they still collect more,” characterizing the practice as exploitation that undermines their legitimate business operations.
The protest highlights ongoing tensions between businesses and customs officials regarding operational transparency and consistent application of import regulations. Dealers from Ondo, Ekiti, Oyo, Lagos, and Ogun states participated in the demonstration, indicating the widespread nature of the problem across the South-West region. They reported that vehicles legally cleared at ports are frequently intercepted and subjected to what they consider illegal seizures and demands for additional payments.
Following the protest, customs officials met with association representatives and pledged to address the concerns. The command’s Public Relations Officer stated that measures are being implemented to streamline procedures and prevent incidents that could be perceived as unprofessional conduct. The Customs Area Controller has approved additional training for officers covering operational engagement, enforcement procedures, and stakeholder relations. See, More, Here>>>>
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