No total ban tokunbo vehicles says government
A timely update!
According to recent reports, the Nigerian government has announced that there will be no total ban on the importation of Tokunbo vehicles, also known as used vehicles from abroad.
The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, made this announcement during a meeting with stakeholders in the automotive industry. The minister stated that while the government is concerned about the negative impact of Tokunbo vehicles on the local automotive industry, a total ban is not feasible at this time.
Instead, the government plans to implement measures to regulate the importation of Tokunbo vehicles, including:
- Registration and licensing of all used vehicles imported into the country.
- Implementation of a certification process to ensure that all imported vehicles meet minimum safety and environmental standards.
- Introduction of a levy or tax on imported Tokunbo vehicles to generate revenue for the government and to discourage the importation of substandard vehicles.
- Encouragement of local assembly and manufacturing of vehicles to promote the growth of the automotive industry in Nigeria.
The government's decision to regulate rather than ban Tokunbo vehicles is seen as a pragmatic approach to addressing the challenges posed by the importation of used vehicles while also promoting the growth of the local automotive industry.
It's worth noting that the importation of Tokunbo vehicles has been a contentious issue in Nigeria, with some arguing that it stifles the growth of the local automotive industry and others arguing that it provides affordable transportation options for many Nigerians.