Automotive policy: Association decries high tariff
Association of Trucks and Allied Motor Dealers of Nigeria (ATAMD) has decried the high tariff since the automotive policy was introduced.
The association which stated this during a press conference argued that the high tariff will have more negative impact on the poor masses.
Describing the policy as selective, the association said its implementation will hinder the National Transport Policy and poverty alleviation programmes of the government.
President General of the association, Mr. Philip Nworji said that even though the group supports the policy, it was not happy with the high tariff on poor masses, importers and vehicle dealers.
According to him, the policy is aimed at draining resources of the citizenry and encouraging a few. It is also against the actualisation of the National Transport policy. Volkswagen Nigeria Limited and
Peugeot Automobile survived and prospered in the 70s and 80s without attendant tariff protection.
They survived on simple policy of buy made in Nigeria vehicles. Nworji noted that the implementation of the policy appeared to be inconsistent on timing and implementation is being carried out by men of the Nigerian Custom Service (NCS).
“The Minister of Finance and the Comptroller-General of Customs directed that the full tariff should start by July 1, 2014, yet NCS is already implementing it to meet their revenue target, while denying implementation”, he said.
He demanded that 35 per cent levy on imported vehicles should be suspended entirely because vehicles are now made to pay 35 per cent, 5 per cent VAT and 7 per cent for National Automotive development and other penalties.
“We demand that hardship in this country, always created by government intervention in market forces at the detriment of free trade, should stop forth”, he added.