Bayero proffers solution to auto industry challenges

TO revamp the country’s ailing automobile sector, Managing Director of National Trucks Manufacturers (NTM), Kano, Ibrahim Bayero, has called for the full implementation and monitoring of the Nigerian Automotive Industry Development Plan (NAIDP). He also called for increased patronage of locally assembled vehicles, and immediate commencement of the National Vehicle Identification System (NVIS), as part of efforts toward achieving a vibrant industry.

Bayero argued that an exhaustive implementation of the contents of the policy, backed with biannual reporting on the progress made, would return the auto manufacturing sector to the part of sustained growth and development.

He revealed this while reviewing the NAIDP, which took effect since mid 2014.

NTM Chief also recommended concessionary access to foreign exchange by stakeholders with secured contracts for government level supplies that will be strictly monitored to ensure compliance. He explained that the NVIS, which has been in the works for some time now, would create a database for the reg- istration and monitoring of all vehicles in the country, and eliminate not only junk second-hand ( tokunbo) vehicles, but also the possibility of under-payment or total evasion of duties on imported vehicles.

“This system will require any person or company importing new or secondhand vehicles into Nigeria to be registered on the database.

“Once the vehicle reaches Nigeria, the importer will be responsible for making all duty and tax payments and then inputting the details of the vehicle (engine, chassis numbers or VIN plates) as well as evidence of the port of import and duties paid to the database.

“The other government agencies like the Customs will also be checking and verifying these details. “Before the vehicle can be registered with Federal Road Safety Corps and Vehicle Inspection Organization, the details will have to be crosschecked before issuance of the vehicle plate number and vehicle licence. In this manner, there will be proper checks in place to ensure that all vehicles are imported through the proper channels and the proper duties are paid,” he said.