The Senate yesterday resolved to ask the Customs to suspend action on its policy to ban importation of vehicles through land borders, which was to take effect on January 1. Senate’s resolution followed a motion by Barau Jibrin (Kano North) and five others. Jibrin drew members’ attention to the Federal Government’s policy to
stop car importation through land borders from January 1.
He noted it was reported the ban will
lead to loss of about 500,000 jobs by people engaged in importation of
cars and handling services in border areas and elsewhere.
Jibrin said he believed the economy of
border villages and towns depending on such businesses to survive would
be adversely affected.
He observed that since the announcement
by Customs, Nigerians have reacted negatively, protesting it is not
economically expedient to ban importation of cars through land borders given the dreary effect on the economy.
The lawmaker expressed concern the
decision was ostensibly premised on allegations that the nation was
losing revenue by importing vehicles through land borders because of
evasion of import duties.
He said he was “convinced that rather than stop or suspend importation
of vehicles through land borders, it would make economic sense to
allow importation of vehicles through one entry border post in each
geopolitical zone that has international land border in the country.”
Jibrin said by allowing importation
through one entry point in each geopolitical zone, there would be better
monitoring and control by Customs, as the land border posts shall
become fewer to handle.
He observed that since Customs could ensure the government would not lose revenue by car importation
through designated sea ports, “this Senate believes there is no reason
why Customs shall not employ the same capability to ensure that every
revenue belonging to the government is received by it from importers of
cars through the aforesaid land borders.”
Many senators agreed the policy was
ill-advised, saying the policy would increase unemployment at a time the
government was battling to create jobs for the people.
Credit: The Nation
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