FG to sanction agencies that buy imported vehicles

By Theodore Opara

KANO – THE Federal Government is considering sanctions for government agencies and parastatals that buy imported vehicles rather than the ones assembled in the country.

Minister of State for Trade and Investment, Mr. Samuel Ortom, disclosed this in Kano when he visited the National Truck Manufacturers Limited office.

The Minister, who was surprised with the quality of vehicles being produced after a tour of the plant, said the ministry had met with stakeholders in the auto industry who have come up with a position paper on how to save the industry from total collapse.

He said: “We have met with the stakeholders in the auto industry and they have come up with a position paper which we are looking into,” adding that the quest for foreign made good is a mark of indiscipline which must be tackled.

He noted: “Our problem is lack of discipline to do the right thing and this time around we shall apply sanction for those who go against Federal Government’s policy on patronage for locally assembled vehicles.

“Nigerians have no choice than to patronise their auto assembly plant because they have the potentials to create new jobs and if we patronise our own industries, we will recycle our wealth to the benefit of all.”