Some car dealers in Kano have called on the Federal Government to reconsider its decision to ban importation of cars through land borders.
They told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kano on Wednesday that the call was necessary in view of the negative effects of the policy on them.
They said majority of them had already been sent out of business due to the commencement of the order.
One of the dealers, Malam Nazifi Yusuf, said that it was clear that many of his colleagues would be out of business this year.
“Many of my colleagues were not financially capable of clearing their vehicles before the expiration of the Federal Government’s deadline.
“Many of us started having problems when the exchange rate went up, and many were awaiting a miracle when the Federal Government announced the new policy,” he said.
Yusuf said that the dealers would appreciate if the policy was given a second thought or an extension to enable people clear their vehicles.
Another dealer, Alhaji Muhammad Bashir, noted that the new policy had affected many dealers who were earning a living through the business.
“There are many people who work at the car selling parks doing one thing or another and being paid for it,” Bashir said.
He appealed to the government to review the policy in order to allow the business to continue but with some modifications.
“Government should review the policy in view of its negative impact on many dealers in the country. There is also need for the government to meet with stakeholders with a view to coming up with solutions on how to improve the business,” he said.
NAN reports that the Federal Government’s ban on importation of cars via land borders took effect on Jan. 1.(NAN).