LAGOS, JANUARY 2, 2017 – The Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) Seme Chapter, last weekend pleaded with the authorities, to grant a three-month grace period before enforcing the ban on importation of vehicles through land borders .
The Federal Government’s directive was to commence January 1, 2017.
ANLCA’s Chairman, Alhaji Bisiriyu, made this plea while speaking with newsmen in Badagry, Lagos State.
He explained that the grace period will enable ships carrying vehicles, to berth for clearance before implementation of the ban.
Bisiriyu however noted that vehicle importation through land borders, provided employment for over 500,000 graduates.
He said: “We should not forget that such a policy was employed in the past and it led to serious revenue leakages and massive smuggling along the border areas, which led to wastage of material resources.
“There are thousands of routes through which these consignments can enter the country but at the moment, there has been a measure of compliance so the right channel is being followed. All these would change with the effect of the ban. “The Federal Government generates enough revenue on vehicle importation as the Seme Customs Area Command alone generates N600 million monthly on vehicle duties.
“However, all that will change with the ban placed on the border importation of automobiles. The government should consider all these factors, including the fact that the country is going through recession and this policy is going to worsen the hardship of Nigerians.”
