Ban on Vehicle Importation through Land Borders Has Come to Stay, Customs CG Tells Stakeholders
The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) , Rtd Col. Hameed Ali Thursday made it clear that there is no going back on the ban placed on importation of vehicles through the land borders.
Speaking during the inauguration of the connectivity platform between Nigeria and the Republic of Benin, Ali said the federal government was not opening the land borders for used vehicles importation.
The connectivity platform was established by the European Union at Seme Border to improve trade facilitation between Nigeria and Benin Republic.
The Customs CG called on importers, customs agents and others to see the connectivity platform as designed to ensure trade facilitation.
According to him, the platform will go a long way in assisting genuine importers as against smugglers.
He said, “We are expecting compliance, and we shall get compliance; where individual decides not to comply, then the customs will ensure there is no illicit trafficking between the two countries.
“At the initial stage, I do expect some challenges before our traders get used to the system; there is always an apprehension when it comes to ICT (Information and Communication Technology, people are not very comfortable”.
The Director-General of Benin Republic Customs, Sacco Charles, described the initiative as highly commendable.
He disclosed that the two countries have been working toward this achieve the connectivity platform.
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