Customs CG Lists Merits On Ban Of Vehicle Import Through Land Border
Editor
Posted On Jan 12, 2017
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ibrahim Ali has listed the merits on the ban of the importation of vehicles through the land border.
Ali, in a statement Wednesday said the advantages and opportunities inherent in the policy is a motivation to ensure compliance.
He said the Channelization of motor vehicles to Sea Ports will enable suppression of smuggling.
“Creating business and job opportunities with the eventual emergence of bonded car parks for vehicles around the country. This will also lead to the emergence of bank branches and mechanic villages around the bonded car parks, with job opportunities for Nigerians.
“High volume of vehicle cargo for shippers will boost capacity and optimize use of facilities at our ports and car parks.
” Higher revenue for the three tiers of Government to discharge their responsibilities to Nigerians.
“Facilitate the recent collaboration among NCS, FIRS, Motor License Office, Police and Bureau of Statistics
“Assurance of duty payment for vehicle buyers giving more confidence on the road without Customs interception.
“High volume vehicle cargo can lead to Government/Port Handlers engagement that will reduce handling charges.
The statement from the Customs said “Curiously, Nigerians are being told that over 10,000 vehicles are already trapped ten days into the enforcement of the policy when statistics shows vehicles properly imported through the land borders from January 2014 – 31 December 2016 was only 209,691 with N38,551,569,751.00 paid as duty. Smuggled vehicles seized within the same period was 5,998 with duty paid value of N10,271,734,415.36.
“Beyond revenue loss, allowing a system that is fraught with security implications in our present fragile security situation will not be a patriotic thing to do.
“Stakeholders are therefore enjoined to see the inherent benefits of the policy and cooperate with the Nigeria Customs Service as personnel strive to implement the fiscal policy of Government.
