The automotive policy is still robbing-off negatively on vehicle importation into the country as the Ports and Terminal Multiservices Limited (PTML) has again lamented further drop in the volume of vehicles imported into Nigeria through its facilities at the Tin Can lsland port in Lagos.
The concessionaire also lamented that the empty spaces which currently signposts the terminal is the worst since the inception of its operation.
The automotive policy is still robbing-off negatively on vehicle importation into the country as the Ports and Terminal Multiservices Limited (PTML) has again lamented further drop in the volume of vehicles imported into Nigeria through its facilities at the Tin Can lsland port in Lagos.
The concessionaire also lamented that the empty spaces which currently signposts the terminal is the worst since the inception of its operation.
Speaking with journalists in Lagos last week, General Manager of PTML, Mr. Tunde Keshinro said that the policy on vehicle importation is of general concern, adding that for obvious reasons, there has been a significant drop in the volume of vehicles imported through the terminal.
According to him, the space that is currently available is more than the vehicles imported.
He said in 2013 and 2014 respectively, the facility experienced massive importation of vehicle but regretted that the situation has changed.
He added that vessel call has dropped and there has been low patronage from importers and freight agents, whom he said are clients that make business to thrive at the terminal.
Speaking further, he said, "PTML is just one of the terminals handling vehicles and for obvious reasons we have experienced decline in the number of vehicles imported and discharged in our facilities and today I will say we have an under utilised space in the terminal"
"The space we have now is much more than what number of vehicles the company handles"
"Looking at last year and the year before, you will find out that the records show that the terminal is always full of imported vehicles with high number of customers as well who want to obtain services from us"
"So in a way , what we have seen is that we have recorded a significant drop in the volume of vehicles coming to the terminal"
Keshinro further urged the President Buhari led administration to take a critical view of the economy and for the administration to be honest to the economy.
He called on government to focus more on the quality of vehicles imported into the country pointing out that it should not lay much emphasise on tariff discrimination.
The PTML General Manager noted that tariff discrimination on import duty has not helped maritime growth and that such issues go behind pricing.
He disclosed that some of the so-called vehicle manufacturers still import vehicles through the terminal, stressing the need for government to look at such activities.
Speaking further the GM added that the situation has led to the company diversifying by handling commodities outside vehicles and containers.
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