Nigeria imported about 400,000 vehicles in the last five years, Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs Zainab Shamsuna-Ahmed, has said.
The minister disclosed this at a one-day sensitisation on the National Vehicle Registry (VREG), on Tuesday in Kano.
Represented by the Director Technical Services in the ministry,Mrs Fatima Hayatu, the minister said available data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) indicated that 40 percent of the vehicles were smuggled into the country.
“The NBS confirmed that between 2015 and 2020, Nigeria imported an average of 400,000 vehicles.
“An additional 40 percent of the vehicles are smuggled into the country annually.
“A case study revealed that Nigeria was the hub of stolen vehicles, as Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of vehicles in the country were usually unregistered.
“Consequently, vehicles within the shores of Nigeria cannot be traced.”
She said the ministry is introducing the National Vehicle Registry (VREG), to address these challenges.
The system, she said, would provide a singular platform through which all relevant agencies reference vehicular data with a view of ascertaining ownership and value information.
She said the system would also assist to ensure accurate monitoring, documentation and tracking of vehicular activities across the country as well as enhance national security.
In his remarks, the acting Controller in charge of Zone B, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Mr Uba Muhammad, said the initiative would assist to ensure security of lives and property of Nigerians.
