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National automotive policy will not inflict hardship on Nigerians – Jonathan

By on January 6, 2014

President Goodluck Jonathan over the weekend assured that the implementation of National Automotive Policy approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) in 2012 would not inflict pains on the people.

Jonathan gave the assurance when he received a delegation of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The president, who spoke against the backdrop of criticism that had trailed the policy from certain quarters, said it would bring back the country to the right path in automobile sub-sector.

Specifically, as the policy commences in March, some group had criticised the proposed increase in clearing rates and tariff on imported fairly used cars also known as “Tokunbo.”

Jonathan, who thanked RTEAN for supporting the policy, assured that the policy would ensure competitiveness and productivity in the automobile sector.

He added that the policy would assist in the establishment of automotive supplier parks and clusters and job creation.

“One area I want to commend you is on the Auto Policy of Government. People have different views, but the most important body that can comment on the policy is your body.

“From RTEAN position on the Auto Policy, I am quite pleased, let me use this opportunity to assure Nigerians that government cannot bring a policy that will increase the hardship of Nigerians.

“If that comes up, I will abort it even midway because we cannot come up with a policy that will make Nigerians suffer or pay higher prices for vehicles.

“However, we must come up with policies that Nigerians will pay less and especially job and wealth creation and improvement on our economy.

“As a nation, we spent an average of over four billion dollars in importing vehicles.

“If this chunk of money, even half of it, is invested in the country to assemble and manufacture, it will go a long way.’

“When you assemble, other small cottage industries will come up to produce one component or the other to serve the main assemblage plant.

“This will create jobs and stimulate the economy. By the time you import, you are exporting jobs, but if you assemble locally you are creating jobs. That is the thinking of government.”

The president thanked the association for coming to interface with government and commended its efforts to procure 4000 vehicles of various types for mass transit in the country.

He directed the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, to incorporate the union in all programmes in the centenary celebrations.

Earlier, the RTEAN National President, Chief Musa Isiwele, commended Jonathan for the Automotive Policy and the improvement in road network across the country.

Isiwele acknowledged that the improvement on national highways had improved road transportation and reduced accident.

 

 

[National Mirror]