Auto Industry Stakeholders Seek Review of 70% Duty on Vehicles

President Muhammadu Buhari has been urged to review the automotive policy, which imposes 70 per cent duty on imported vehicles, pending the commencement of mass production of made-in-Nigeria vehicles.

The President, Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents, ANLCA, Prince Olayiwola Shittu said the levy was introduced by the Jonathan administration to support the local industry.

Shittu however said high port charges have increased the costs of doing business and encouraged diversion of cargoes to neighbouring countries’ports, thus, leading to loss in government’s revenue.

He said:“President Buhari needs to review the auto policy and make the port attractive for business. The maritime sector is confronted with many problems that need to be addressed to boost trade and generate employment.”

Also, speaking,  the Shippers’Association Lagos State, SALS, has implored the the government to assist shippers to reduce the costs of doing business at the seaports.

The SALS President, Mr Jonathan Nicol, lamented that the high port charges had affected the costs of doing business in the country.

He said: “We have a very big problem in the maritime sector. We believe that the government will stick to the maritime sector as one of the most important aspects of the nation’s economy. This will enable other Nigerian shippers who have gone to the neighbouring ports to come back.”

Nicol said Nigerians were still expecting basic infrastructure such as good roads, water supply, uninterrupted power supply, good health facilities and free education.

He also joined ANLCA to urge the government to reverse the automotive policy which imposed a 70 per cent levy and duty on imported vehicles, pending the large production of made-in-Nigeria cars.

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