PTML supports ban on importation of vehicles through land borders-TRIBUNE
PTML is the leading dedicated Roll-On-Roll-Off (RORO) terminal in Nigeria, handling the largest volume of vehicles imported into the country. The company was established in 2003 by Grimaldi Lines to respond to the invitation of the Federal Government to participate in the development of port facilities in Nigeria.
The company’s operations were, however, negatively affected by the astronomical hike in the import duties of vehicles, leading to a loss of more than 80 per cent of its cargo volume.
The hike in vehicles import duty from 10 per cent to 35 per cent and the imposition of an additional 35 per cent surcharge under the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan led to the diversion of Nigeria-bound vehicles to the ports of neighbouring countries and increased smuggling activities.
In a statement released by the company in Lagos, Mr Russo said “We fully support this ban, which we believe is going to halt the huge import of vehicles for the Nigerian market through the ports of neighbouring countries and the loss of revenues by the Federal Government, the Nigeria Customs Service and private operators.
“We are confident and hopeful that the government may want to go a step further and review downward the level of duties applied on used vehicles to make them affordable for the Nigerian people.”
He said the Federal Government loses about N200 billion annually to diversion of automobile imports to the Port of Cotonou in Republic of Benin. The amount represents the value of tariff that should have accrued into government coffers through the Nigerian Customs Service if the vehicles were imported through Nigerian ports.
He said Nigerian importers are attracted to the Port of Cotonou because of lower Customs duty on vehicles and other imports.
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