Customs enforces strict implementation of ban on vehicle importation

The Nigeria Customs Service is enforcing strict implementation of the presidential directive banning the importation of vehicles into the country through the land borders.

The service Acting Public Relations Officer, Mr Joseph Attah, told the News Agency of Nigeria on Wednesday in Abuja that since Jan. 1, there was no importation of vehicles into the country through the land borders.

“We have earlier given a grace period of a month which expired on Dec. 31 2016; so I can confirm to you that as from Jan 1, officers have strictly been enforcing the presidential directives of not allowing importation of vehicles into the country.

“That is why people are complaining about number of vehicles being trapped; this shows that the policy is being implemented. People that are complaining are probably people that had the intention to defy the new policy.

“Our strict enforcement of the policy is what is catching up with such Nigerians; as far as we are concerned is a total ban and that is our stand.”

The prohibition order covers all new and used vehicles.

The ban was sequel to a presidential directive restricting all vehicle imports to Nigeria’s sea ports only

The order took effect from Jan.1