The Federal Government has banned the importation of vehicles into Nigeria through the land borders.
The ban which was announced through a statement by the Public Relations Officer of Customs, Wale Adeniyi, covers all new and used vehicles.
“The ban is sequel to a Presidential Directive restricting all vehicle imports to Nigeria Sea Ports only. The order takes effect from 1st January 2017. Explaining further, he said, “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 utilise the grace up till 31st December 2016 to clear their vehicle imports landed in neighbouring ports.”
The Federal Government had disclosed during a recent automotive industry forum that it would ban the importation of vehicles through land borders and enforce the presentation of roadworthiness certificates on such vehicles from their countries of origin before allowing them into the country.
The Director-General, National Automotive Design and Development Council, Mr. Aminu Jalal, who said this on behalf of the government, said it was a means of controlling the influx of used vehicles, popularly called ‘Tokunbo,’ into the country.
Stakeholders in the automotive industry had earlier called on strict regulations on the importation of vehicles, noting that poor implementation of the auto policy which was introduced in the last quarter of 2013 by former president Goodluck Jonathan, was driving down the volume of their products.
