Even as the revival of the nation’s moribund vehicle assembly plants hang in the balance, the Federal Government may seriously be contemplating plans to ban importation of vehicles into the country, to encourage local production. Besides, the government has stepped up moves to reposition the nation’s transportation system, in line with its transformation agenda.
President Goodluck Jonathan spoke of the impending vehicle import ban Monday while declaring open the 2013 yearly national management conference of the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM) in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom state capital.
Jonathan, who did not, however, state the time frame for the proposed vehicle import ban programme, stressed that the efforts being made, especially in local vehicle production at Nnewi, Anambra State, need to be encouraged.
The government recently directed its various organs to purchase vehicles made at the Nnewi plant, a gesture that was lauded by the Nigerian Automotive Manufacturers Association of Nigeria.
Represented by the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Alhaji Bukar Aji, the President said that the reform in the rail, aviation and the maritime sectors were aimed at gaining the confidence of investors and to empower Nigerians.
Any country without a rail system, according to Jonathan, cannot be classified as an industrialised country.
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