As more of both new and old vehicles continue to be imported into the country through Nigerian seaports and ports of neighbouring West African countries, a stakeholder in the nation’s auto industry has expressed worried about the large number of rickety and outdated vehicles that are shipped into the country.
As more of both new and old vehicles continue to be imported into the country through Nigerian seaports and ports of neighbouring West African countries, a stakeholder in the nation’s auto industry has expressed worried about the large number of rickety and outdated vehicles that are shipped into the country.
The economic implication of this influx, according to them, is that even though it will translate into higher revenue in terms of duty payment, on the other hand, there is a tendency for the nation to experience health hazard as most of these vehicles which will eventually be abandoned will liter every nooks and crannies of the country.
Due to the economic hardship, most Nigerians can not afford to buy new vehicles, as a result, they settle for second hand or fairly used ones but the rate at which these categories of used vehicles are imported into the country is quite alarming.
According to Mrs Mulikat Felintola Sanni , there are about seven plants in the country, but today non is in existence as the populace rely on importation of various items which has led to the high level of all manners of junks that come into the country.
The chairlady of Auto Allied Trade Group of Lagos State Chambers and Commerce (LCCI) said as a means of selfish interest by some people, the idea of bringing investors into the country to have one or two assembling plants have been frustrated for political reasons.
She advised the government to put a stop to the importation of over- aged vehicles of to the country, even as she clamoured for investors to come into Nigeria as it is possible for the country to have one or two assembled plant that will help in the quest for economic growth.
She recalled that during president Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration, it was recommended that any vehicle that is older than eight years should not be allowed to come into the country, but due to the selfish interest of some individuals, they an extension to 15 years age limit saying that it will be ideal for Nigerians. According to her, rather that importation of all kinds of vehicles, establishment of an assembly plant should be encouraged.
Mrs. Sanni revealed that in the last three decades, the various assembly plants contributed to the country’s Gross Domestic Product as the country was able to export Nigeria- made vehicles to countries in Africa. She mentioned Peugeot, Volkswagen, ANAMCO, and General Motors as the major assembly plants that made headways in the last three decades. She said that the death of these companies was regrettable.
She lamented that Nigeria is a lawless country where even vehicles that are 30 years old can make their ways in to the country, and wondered how cars with right hand drive that should not be imported into Nigeria are found in most parts of the country.
Mrs Sanni who is also the President of Institute of Transport Administration (IOTA), Nigeria kicked against the idea of importing 15years old vehicles into the country. According to her, a Tokunboh vehicle that costs N1.7million needs an additional N300, 000 for repairs before such vehicle will be fit for usage. She consequently advised Nigerians to buy new but cheap vehicles rather than waste resources on second hand vehicles.
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