A Diplomatic duty-free village has been established in Abuja by the Nigerian Government, where diplomats can buy items and enjoy tax-free services in the country.
The duty-free village was established by Nigeria in deference to the United Nations Vienna Convention on Dplomatic Relations, which exempts diplomats from all duties and taxes, whether national, regional or municipal.
In his speech at the commissioning on Tuesday, Zubairu Dada, Minister of State, Foreign Affairs, who represented the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, stated that the facility would help reduce quantum of shipments by individual diplomats.
His words: “No doubt the services provided by the duty free facility will drastically reduce the volume of diplomatic shipments into the country”.
He also noted that the facility, a one-stop shopping village will take care of all the needs of the diplomats in Abuja. He also promised adequate security at the village.
“It is my hope that the services of the duty free facility will further provide an additional platform and opportunity for members of the diplomatic community to enjoy this dividend stay in our country.
“I understand that the facility has different interesting and top-notch sections ranging from shopping centre, recreational services, spa, eye centre, restaurants, clinic, etc.
“This affirms that the federal government of Nigeria has so far demonstrated its commitment towards ensuring the success of the duty free facility by giving the needed support for each operation.
“Which will by no small measure contribute immensely to the economic growth of Nigeria,” he added.
Also speaking, Mrs Zainab Ahmed, Minister of Finance and National Planning, said that the federal government took the establishment of the facility important to ensure coordination of imports for the diplomats.
Ahmed said that the diplomatic immunities and privileges Act of 1962 empowers the Ministry of Finance to exempt diplomats from all taxes including Diplomats enjoying duty free shopping facilities in several countries.
The village she said will ensure strict control or cessation of individual requests for waivers on imported items by diplomats which presently, is largely uncoordinated and originated.
Ahmed added that the duty-free facility will enable government to maintain a database of products.
Mr Uche Odozor, Managing Director of the village, said that the establishment of the facility will no doubt improve diplomatic relations between Nigeria and representatives of other countries and multilateral institutions in the country.
Odozor said it was fulfilling to see the unveiling of an edifice which started since 2010.
“We have within this facility a wellness and fitness centre comprising of a spa for those who enjoy wellness and beauty, a clinic, among the many facilities,” Odozor said.
The opening of the state-of-the-art Duty-free facility sitting at 2,700 square-metres land on the Olusegun Obasanjo Way Central Business District Abuja was witnessed by a long list of high-profile dignitaries and religious leaders in Nigeria.
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