Just like it did with parboiled rice, the Federal Government has today place a ban on the importation of all types of new and used vehicles via the nation’s land borders, except through the seaports. The prohibition order takes effect from 1st January 2017.
Spokesman of the Nigeria Customs Service, Wale Adeniyi, who disclosed this in Abuja said the prohibition order was sequel to a presidential directive restricting all vehicle imports to Nigeria seaports only.
“The restriction on importation of vehicles follows that of rice, whose imports have been banned through the land borders since April 2016. Importers of vehicles through the land borders are requested to utilize the grace period up till 31st December 2016 to clear their vehicle imports landed in neighbouring ports”, Adeniyi stated.
The ban is already eliciting positive responses from members of the maritime community, with importers and agents describing it as a welcome development.
For about 18 months, government’s revenue via tariffs and taxes on imported vehicle imports via the Roll On Roll Off (RORO) terminals (dedicated for vehicles only) has continued to nosedive.
The TCIP Ports in Apapa, Lagos, had continued to lay-off staff as the company continued to record steady decline in RORO vessels at the terminal.
Source: The Sun Nigeria