The Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) has advised the Federal Government to review the new automotive policy to impact positively on Nigerians.
Dr Obicee Okonkwo, the National Publicity Secretary of ANCLA, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that government should not make hasty decisions on issues that would affect the people.
NAN reports that, on March 6, freight forwarders protested over the implementation of the new policy measures in the automotive industry.
The Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) has advised the Federal Government to review the new automotive policy to impact positively on Nigerians.
Dr Obicee Okonkwo, the National Publicity Secretary of ANCLA, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that government should not make hasty decisions on issues that would affect the people.
NAN reports that, on March 6, freight forwarders protested over the implementation of the new policy measures in the automotive industry.
With the new policy, the import duty on buses has increased from 10 to 20 per cent, cars from 20 to 35 per cent and trucks from 35 to 70 per cent.
Okonkwo said that while the government had the power and right to make decisions for the people, it should endeavour to analyse their impact and give enough time for implementation.
''Changes are done globally, but we believe that it should be transitional rather than an instant thing.
''After the protest, customs was directed to return to status quo and we received a call from the presidency to return to work and that the policy issue will be deliberated on," he said.
The publicity secretary said that the effect of the new duty rates on used vehicles were high and immediate which caused the freight forwarders to react.
''For instance, before the new tariff, we clear a 2000-2002 model Toyota Camry for N220,000 after paying government revenue, shipping company, terminal operator and handling charges.
''With the new rate, it means that the agent will clear the same Camry for between N480 and N500, 000.
“The price will automatically be increased when it gets to the market," he said
Okonkwo said that there was the need to guard against class distinction because used vehicles had helped to bridge the gap between the poor and the rich.
He said that government should ensure that car manufacturing and assembling plants were functioning effectively and their capacity could meet the needs of the people.
Okonkwo also said that the vehicle manufacturing companies should be able to produce cars of N1.6 to N2 million, otherwise the effort would be defeated.
He also advised the government to ensure that the power sector functioned well to be able to sustain the automobile industry.
Okonkwo said that with poor supply of electricity, it would be difficult for assembling plants or manufacturing companies to operate.
He expressed optimism that the government would come out with a better policy on tariff classification that would benefit the people.
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