"Buhari making us unemployed" – Northerners, others blast president over planned N213b from 'Tokunbo' cars ~ Zeniths Blog

"Buhari making us unemployed" – Northerners, others blast president over planned N213b from 'Tokunbo' cars

– The administration of President Muhammadu Buhari recently banned the importation of cars through the land borders

– But this policy has not gone down well with many Nigerians who think it would make citizens lose their jobs

The news that the federal government’s ban on importation of fairly used cars, also known as ‘Tokunbo’ would make Nigeria earn N213 billion annually has drawn the ire of citizens, some of whom have accused the Muhammadu Buhari administration of plunging them into unemployment.

Nigerians slam Buhari over ban on importation of cars

The government is expected to rake in some revenue from the ban on importation of cars through land borders

The government recently banned the importation of such cars through the land borders and the Nigeria Automotive Manufacturers Association (NAMA) reportedly said on Tuesday, January 17 that the action would earn Nigeria $700 million if properly implemented.

Leadership reports that the manufacturers, said through its head, Remi Olaofe: “Import duties payable have all the while been going to the purses of our neighbours. Meanwhile, we as a nation are struggling to make ends meet.

READ ALSO: Senate to investigate ban on land border car importation

“With the drive towards the full implementation of the National Auto Policy, the place of accurate data cannot be over-emphasised.

“Investors need to be well aware of the size of the market in making investment decisions. The level of damage to our economy, both from fiscal and monetary policies’ perspective, is overwhelming when we come to the realisation that the data we plan with are greatly distorted by the unreported imports going through our land borders.

“This explains why investors, foreign and local, are constantly at a loss when they compare observed market potential with what is officially reported.

“One is at a loss as to why Nigerians would prefer to bring in their vehicles through the

neighbouring countries, knowing well that these vehicles are mostly from America and Europe by sea.”

The association’s stand on the issue provoked reactions from Nigerians as they accused the current administration if not considering the effect of its policies on the citizens of the country.

READ ALSO: FG should relax ban on importation of used cars – Fayose

Some of the of those who reacted however defended Buhari’s administration saying the policy began under Goodluck Jonathan.

The administration of Jonathan had announced the ban on Tokunbo cars but immediately suspended it following serious criticism.