Motor dealers cry out over harsh government’s policy

Motor dealers in Akwa Ibom state have decried the policies of the Federal Government for stopping importation of cars through land boarders, thereby putting their businesses in danger.

President Mohammadu Buhari had in 2015 after assuming office, ordered a stop to all importation of cars into the country through land borders.

The state chairman of motor dealers’ association, Pastor Godwin Eduok, who spoke with Daily Times correspondent in Uyo, on Tuesday, said that the policies of the FG has not helped their business in any way, rather, it brings untold hardship to them and other citizens who would have loved to owned a means of mobility.

According to him, “Closure of land boarders has not only affected us in car importing business, but also the generality of Nigerians, though government may have good intention in doing that, but they would have liaised with the stakeholders in the business before such action is taken.”

Edouk said if the government can review the policy of closing land boarders, it will be beneficial to all Nigerians, because the current government under Buhari is very harsh on our business; adding that car dealing business entails a lot of foreign exchange components.

He said, “Even the customs are not making things easy for us, it is not easy to clear goods these days; and when you want to pay, the charges are too hard, and they will delay the cars for months before you take delivery. Our business is in the verge of collapsing, government should help us.”

Also, the state secretary of the body, Mr. Robert Bob solicited with Akwa Ibom State Government to invest funds in the car business in form of soft interest loan, so that they can stay in the business and continue to service Nigerians living in the state.

He said if the state government can invest into the business by giving them (car dealers) grants to add and boost their business, it would help in stimulating the economy of the state, and create more investment opportunities.

“Car business is capital intensive, but unfortunately, the current Federal Government’s policies make us run a business that we don’t even make profit from it.” Bob added.

THIRD LEAD STORY