By Laja Thomas

LAGOS – The Nigerian Automative Manufacturers Association (NAMA) has appealed to the Federal Government to urgently resolve the delay in the delivery of the remaining 988 units of motorised three-wheeler, Keke NAPEP trapped at the various ports in the country.

NAMA’s Executive Director, Mr. Arthur Madueke, yesterday in Lagos, spoke when he addressed newsmen on the imported 5,000 units of Keke NAPEP, being assembled by Autobahn Techniques Limited, the firm saddled with the supply of Keke NAPEP, which is an affiliate of NAMA.

He said, “the prolonged delay in clearing the remaining  units by Autobahn Techniques Limited stem from the high cost of demurrage which the units have attracted by no fault of the firm but which cost it is being compelled to pay, adding that, “it is vital to note that the demurrage was not factored into the contract and has so far cost Autobahn Techniques Limited about N200 million from its own resources.”

While appealing to the Federal Government, Mr Madueke said: “The Nigerian Automotive Manufacturers Association therefore urges the Federal Government to intervene decisively so as to ensure the prompt release and delivery of the trapped Keke NAPEP components at the Ports as well as the reimbursement to Autobahn Techniques Limited of funds the company has been compelled to spend on demurrage charges,” adding that, “the Keke NAPEP remains a very commendable programme of poverty eradication and its continued success will greatly benefit Nigerians.”