Revisit the Ban on Vehicle Importation Through Seme Border

Victoria Silvanus

A key stakeholder in Nigeria’s maritime sector has urged the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, to revisit the controversial ban on vehicle importation through land borders, particularly the Seme Border, before leaving office.

Speaking during a review of the policy, Alhaji Adetona Mubashiru, Chairman and CEO of Only God Is Wise Nigeria Limited, a bonded terminal operator, described the policy as one of the “sentimental decisions” of previous administrations that continues to negatively affect trade facilitation and economic activities.

The ban was officially announced on December 5, 2016, through a press release issued by the then National Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi. The directive, signed on behalf of the then Comptroller-General of Customs, Hameed Ali, prohibited the importation of both new and used vehicles through Nigeria’s land borders effective January 1, 2017.

According to Mubashiru, the Federal Government did not clearly explain the reasons behind the policy at the time, apart from describing it as a presidential directive. The decision generated mixed reactions across the country, with many stakeholders questioning its economic implications.

“The Ban Failed to Solve the Intended Problems”

Mubashiru argued that nearly nine years after implementation, the policy has failed to achieve its objectives.

“Instead of curbing smuggling or boosting local auto manufacturing, the policy led to increased inflation, massive revenue losses at authorized entry points, and heightened hardship for Nigerians trying to afford transportation,” he said.

He further explained that the restriction merely redirected vehicle imports through illegal and porous bush routes, making enforcement more difficult for customs officers.

“Rather than stopping illegal imports, the ban pushed the trade to hundreds of unapproved routes. The Nigeria Customs Service faced immense difficulties policing these illegal channels,” Mubashiru stated.

He also noted that the congestion at Lagos seaports and the diversion of trade activities to neighboring countries resulted in significant revenue losses for Nigeria.

Mubashiru recalled that during the administration of Col. Hameed Ali (rtd.), customs authorities proposed a bilateral electronic connectivity system between Nigeria and the Republic of Benin aimed at improving transparency in cargo movement.

According to Ali at the time, the government imposed the ban because authorities lacked a reliable monitoring system for vehicle imports through the land borders.

“When vehicles came through the land border, we did not have proper records, and fake documentation became common. The ban was introduced as a control measure,” Ali had explained.

However, Mubashiru disagreed with that position, insisting that systems for monitoring transit vehicles already existed before Ali assumed office.

He revealed that under former Customs CG, Abdullahi Dikko Inde, there was already a bilateral agreement governing vehicle transit from the Port of Cotonou to Nigeria.

“Transit vehicles destined for Nigeria were escorted to the Seme Border and handed over to Customs officers at the vehicle seat. The only major challenge then was parking space,” he explained.

He added that the situation has significantly improved, as modern terminal facilities at Seme can now conveniently accommodate over 1,000 vehicles.

Mubashiru urged the current Customs leadership to advise the Federal Government to reconsider the ban in line with international trade principles and stakeholder consultations as recommended by the World Trade Organization.

He also recalled that the Nigerian Senate previously opposed the outright ban and called on the Nigeria Customs Service to suspend the policy.

According to him, many automobile dealers and transport-related artisans have suffered severe economic setbacks due to the restriction.

“Vehicle importation through the land border created employment opportunities for many youths who are now idle and struggling,” he said.

He listed affected groups to include mechanics, painters, panel beaters, drivers, electricians, and other artisans whose livelihoods depend on vehicle-related businesses.

Mubashiru praised CGC Adeniyi for his leadership and frequent engagements with stakeholders at the Seme Border, expressing optimism that the administration could still facilitate a policy reversal.

“CGC Adewale Adeniyi MFR, PhD, you came, you saw, and you conquered. Your visits to Seme Border raised hopes among stakeholders that the ban on vehicle importation through land borders would eventually be lifted,” he said

 It will be honor if my appeal  to the Federal Government to reconsider the policy in the interest of trade facilitation, job creation, and economic growth., He concluded.