The number of cars and vans discharged in Lagos ports dropped by 63 percent from 27,000 units in January 2014 to 8,000 units in January 2015, showing that Nigeria’s automotive policy has started taking its toll on car imports.
Speaking in Lagos on Monday, Dr Vicky Haastrup, the Chairman of Seaports Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN) explained that some policies of government on importation were affecting the volume of cargo handled at ports.
“It must be noted, though, that in the first half of 2014, the volume of vehicles imported was extremely high in anticipation of the introduction of the new duty regime on vehicles. The average number of cars and vans imported for previous years was in the range of 20,000 units per month. We are talking of more than 60 per cent drop in volume here.
“For trucks, the volume dropped from 2,700 units in January 2014 to 1,700 units in January 2015.”
According to Haastrup, the fall in vehicular imports into Nigeria has led to an increase in the total number of cars and vans discharged Cotonou Port.
“In Cotonou port, the total number of cars and vans discharged in January 2015 was 30,000 units against 20,000 units discharged in January 2014. This represents a 50 per cent growth. Similar trends have been registered also for trucks,” she said.
“This means Cotonou is gaining from Nigeria’s loss due to the auto policy as more importers are discharging there. These vehicles will eventually find their way into the Nigerian market.”
