I am very sceptical about the FG fixing March 31, 2017 for the commencement of registration of automobiles being imported into the country under the Vehicle Identification Number scheme.Isn't funny how they keep finding ways to impliment new traffic and vehicle schemes?New number plates,MOT,new importation laws and on and on it goes.It won't be so bad if we saw positive things being done with all these revenues raised.But you can't help but think its just another way for the powers that be to line their pockets.
The new scheme is expected to put an end to the smuggling of vehicles into the country through the land borders, and eliminate revenue leakage by ensuring that appropriate duties
are paid on imported vehicles.
The Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, who disclosed this during the opening of a workshop on the integration of the National Vehicle Identification System held at the Customs Command and Staff College, Gwagwalada, Abuja on Monday, said the initiative aimed to introduce technology to counter the activities of smugglers and boost revenue collection.
Adeosun, according to a statement by her Special Adviser on Media, Festus Akanbi, stated that revenue would be increased by reducing leakages through the nation’s porous borders, adding that there would also be a reduction in imports under-declaration and evasion of duty payment.
The minister stated, “Going forward, we are introducing a new system where all vehicles will be registered using the Vehicle Identification Number, effective March 31, 2017. Customs clearance will be linked to the VIN, and this in turn, will be required by each state government at the point of vehicle registration.
“Effectively, any vehicle on which duty has not been paid will not be able to be registered and driven in Nigeria. We are using technology to make smuggling an unprofitable venture.”