Reopen land borders for vehicle Imports, Customs told

A maritime operator, Alhaji Adetona Mubashiru, has asked the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, to review the Federal Government’s ban on importing vehicles through land borders.

Mubashiru, who is the chairman of Only God is Wise Nigeria Limited, said the policy, introduced in 2017, has not achieved its goal. Instead, he said it has increased smuggling and reduced government revenue.

The policy stopped the importation of new and used vehicles through Nigeria’s land borders and directed importers to use seaports instead.

According to Mubashiru, rather than reducing illegal imports, the ban pushed traders and smugglers to use bush paths and unofficial routes, making it harder for Customs officers to monitor activities.

He also said Nigeria lost significant revenue because many importers redirected their goods through neighbouring countries, especially Benin Republic, instead of bringing them directly into Nigeria.

Mubashiru explained that after nine years, the ban has not improved local vehicle production or stopped smuggling. He added that it contributed to higher transport costs and made vehicles more expensive for Nigerians.

He recalled that Customs officials had earlier suggested that the policy could be reviewed after introducing an electronic system between Nigeria and Benin Republic to monitor cargo movement and improve transparency.

He noted that before the ban, vehicles entering through Cotonou port in Benin Republic were escorted by Customs officers to the Seme border for proper clearance.

Mubashiru said one of the earlier concerns  limited parking space at the border  has now been resolved, adding that facilities at the Seme border can currently hold more than 1,000 vehicles.

He argued that reopening land borders for vehicle imports would boost business activities and create jobs for many young people and skilled workers such as mechanics, painters, panel beaters and drivers who depended on the trade.

He also urged the current Customs leadership to advise the Federal Government to review the policy in line with global trade practices and ensure proper consultation with stakeholders.

Mubashiru praised Adewale Adeniyi for engaging with stakeholders and expressed hope that discussions under the current Customs administration could eventually lead to reopening land borders for vehicle imports.