The Association of Motor Dealers of Nigeria (AMDON) has fervently appealed to the Federal Government to reconsider restricting imported vehicles via land borders.
The plea was made by Alhaji Manaur Zagi, the chairman of AMDON in Sokoto State, during a workshop organized by the Nigerian Customs Service, Sokoto/Zamfara area command.
Zagi highlighted the adverse effects of the border closure, citing the significant hardship inflicted on individuals employed within the vehicle importation sector.
He stressed that this hardship exacerbates existing socio-economic challenges, particularly contributing to insecurity in the Northwest region.
According to Zagi, lifting the restriction would alleviate economic burdens and foster a conducive environment for business operations, thereby curbing smuggling activities.
In response, Comptroller Kamal Mohammad of the Sokoto/Zamfara area command acknowledged the pivotal role played by AMDON in the importation and sale of vehicles nationwide.
He emphasized the significance of the ongoing 90-day window period, initiated by the Nigerian Customs Service under the leadership of Comptroller General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, aimed at enhancing compliance with import duty regulations.
Mohammad assured participants that the Customs Service is committed to facilitating compliance and supporting legitimate businesses within the vehicle importation sector. He pledged to escalate AMDON’s request to lift the restriction on land borders to Customs Headquarters for consideration.
Furthermore, attendees were briefed on the specifics of the 90-day window period, which covers vehicles imported into Nigeria with outstanding Customs duties or those detained due to undervaluation.
Importers and other stakeholders were encouraged to engage Customs licensed agents and submit the necessary documentation to regional coordinators for duty regularization.