Debate on proposed new tariff on cars divides Reps

  
Members of the House of Representatives were divided on Thursday over a motion seeking to suspend the Federal Government’s new tariff regime on imported used and new vehicles.

According to the government, the new regime is to create the enabling environment for the automotive industry to grow in the country.

Mr. Nathaniel Oriade, who moved a motion on the issue, told the House that the percentage increase of the new tariff was “by 70 per cent.”

He said this implied higher prices for the affected categories of vehicles and their components.

“Nigerians are already facing hardship and this new tariff can only worsen their situation” he added.

The lawmaker called on the Ministry of Finance to “suspend the implementation of the programme till such a time the assembly plants and equipment manufacturers would have first started the production of Nigeria-made vehicles.”

But, some members faulted the motion on the grounds that the Customs/Excise Tariff Act, empowered the President to adjust tariff whenever necessary.

For example, Mr. Ibrahim El-Sudi observed that the only way to stop the policy was to come by an amendment bill and not through a motion.

Punch