The Ndigboamaka Progressive (Market) Association, which represents importers, has threatened to shut down Lagos markets within two days if the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Valuation policy is implemented.
At a press conference in Lagos on Wednesday, Dr Jude Okeke, president of Ndigboamaka, gave the warning.
He explained that the organization took the stance because the Nigeria Customs Service’s (NCS) implementation of the VIN valuation policy had a significant impact on markets, trade, and the economy.
He pointed out that importers, who were already dealing with a slew of concerns such as terminal and shipping line fees, now had to deal with the VIN valuation regulation as well.
He claimed that the additional expenditures connected with these policies had a negative impact on his members’ businesses since they made things more expensive for consumers or end-users.
According to him, the threat of a market shutdown is not intended to harm any individuals or government entities, but rather to guarantee that things are done correctly.
“We are major importers of various commodities and trading under the name Ndigboamaka Progressive Association, an umbrella body of major market associations in Lagos.
“Examples of such markets are Alaba International Market, All Markets in Trade Fair Complex, Ladipo Market, Coker building Materials and others.
“This meeting is to show our distress on what government does as regards policies put out and their negative impact on our businesses.
“We are saying enough is enough and to make our voice heard, we will be collaborating with the Shippers Association Lagos State (SALS), to discuss how some of our vexatious government policies can be amicably resolved,” he said.
Okeke believes it is sad that policies were implemented without including stakeholders.
He noted that the association decided to suspend the VIN policy indefinitely following debate with members because it was implemented without the knowledge of importers.
“Members work with bank loans and this is not conducive, and so we will be working with SALS to manage a fund set up by the government to cushion our financial pressure in the foreseeable future.
“The fund will be managed by key players in the maritime sector. No government agencies will interfere with it,” he said.
The goal of the cooperation with Ndigboamaka, according to Rev. Jonathan Nicole, president of SALS, is to create an enabling climate for importers to become self-sufficient and help the government generate money.
“SALS have been fighting the battle for importers for the past eight years especially on cost, shipping and terminal charges and all of these problems will be resolved.
“This new one on VIN should be suspended indefinitely so that goods and vehicles stranded at the port will be removed.
“This morning, I just received information concerning this VIN issue, the Port and Terminal Multiservices Ltd. saying that over 12,000 vehicles are trapped in their terminal and attracting demurrage and shipping line charges.
“By the time we quantify the amount importers will be losing, the demurrage is going over N600 million naira. We cannot continue to accommodate such expenses anymore, so they need to discard the policy,” he said.
Nicole refuted the claim that used automobiles are a nuisance because they are brought to authorized workshops to be certified and awarded a roadworthiness license when they are imported.
“This meeting is to tell the Nigerian government that we are not happy and this alliance will continue until the government changes their policies and listens to us,” he stated
