President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered the ban of importation of vehicles into Nigeria through land borders, a statement by the Nigeria Customs Services reveals.
The prohibition order which will be effected from January 1, 2017, covers all new and used vehicles.
According to a statement signed by the Wale Adeniyi, the spokesperson of the Customs Service, the ban is sequel to a presidential directive restricting all vehicle imports to Nigeria sea ports only.
This is coming on the heels of a ban on the importation of rice through the land borders since April 2016. That order however restricted rice imports to the seaports.
“The prohibition order covers all new and used vehicles,” the statement says.
“The ban is sequel to a Presidential Directive restricting all vehicle imports to Nigeria Sea Ports only.
“The order takes effect from 1st January 2017. Explaining further.
“The restriction on importation of vehicles follows that of Rice, whose imports have been banned through the land borders since April 2016.
“Importers of vehicles through the land borders are requested to utilise the grace up till 31st December 2016 to clear their vehicle imports landed in neighbouring ports.”
The federal government had disclosed during a recent automotive industry forum that it would ban the importation of vehicles through land borders and enforce the presentation of roadworthiness certificates on such vehicles from their countries of origin before allowing them into the country.
