The Federal Government has postponed the kickoff of its National Auto Policy to January 1 2015, further extending it from July 1, 2014 due to pressure from lobbyists.
The lobbyists which included various stakeholders such as freight forwarding associations, logistics organisations and importers were coordinated through a Non governmental organization spearheaded by Maritime Advocacy and Action Group (MAAG).
ThisDay reports
It was learnt that by the new development, vehicles imported into the country will continue to pay the 35 percent duty, instead of the additional 35 levy that would have been collected as from July 1, 2014.
National Coordinator of MAAG, Alhaji Alhassan Dantata who confirmed the development praised President Goodluck Jonathan for “having a listening ear”.
According to him, the extension is a confirmation of the fact that government can listen when confronted with genuine facts about issues. MAAG wishes to use this opportunity to thank the President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, the Minister of Industries, Trade and Investment; Dr. Olusegun Aganga and the Director General of National Automotive Council, Engr. Aminu Jalal for seeing reason with the position of MAAG on this issue.
Dantata explained that even though MAAG is support of the auto policy, a proper and realistic roadmap needs to be designed for its proper implementation.
His words: “While we are not opposed to the new policy, our position has always been that the infrastructures must be visible on a level playing field and that the automobile plants must not take advantage of it to the detriment of the average Nigerian.
“Already, there are fears that prices of imported used and new vehicles will skyrocket, but we are happy that the extension has been granted”.
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