Vincent Toritseju
Lagos — Following the introduction of a fresh N4,600 charge on all imported vehicles coming out of Lagos ports known as Temporary Vehicle Tag, TVT. by the Lagos State Government through one of its agencies under the Ministry of Transportation; Motor Vehicle Administration Agency, MVAA, Customs agents have kicked against the move saying that the new charge will be vehemently opposed.
It was gathered that the new charges are already creating tension in the ports in Lagos as port users and vehicle importers have vehemently moved against the introduction of the new charge.
It was also Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has reportedly linked TVT payment to Terminal Delivery Order, TDO, and directed terminal operators not to release any vehicle without evidence of payment.
Confirming the development, the Managing Director of the Lagos State Wharf Landing Fee Collection Authority, Mr. Gboyega Salvador said the introduction of the charge is for the security of everybody living in Lagos.
Salvador also said the new charge introduced by the Ministry of Transportation; Motor Vehicle Administration Agency, MVAA, checked the used of unregistered vehicles by dealers who sometimes used these categories of vehicles for criminal purposes.
Salvador also disclosed that after payment of N4,600, the clearing agents would be issued a sticker that would be placed on the vehicle. This allows the vehicle to be driven within Lagos for the period of one month.
Reacting to the development, clearing agents at the port lamented that they were being overtaxed by the Lagos Government because already, Wharf Landing Fees are being collected on all cargoes, including vehicles.
“The Wharf Landing is being operated under a law. The money collected is not for Lagos State Government, it is to assist the operators. The Lagos government is inconveniencing itself to do this, the money is being collected to eradicate area boys harassing truck drivers on Lagos roads, the money is shared among Local Government Areas,” he said.
Chief Salvador also called on the port operators and clearing agents to assist the authority in order not to return back to the chaos that used to be on the roads.
However, in his reaction, Youth Leader of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents, ANLCA, at Tin Can Island Port, Comrade Remilekun Sikiru lamented that the Lagos State Government first came to the port in December 2022 and claimed that the TVT would replace the Wharf Landing Fees.
“They came around last year around December, they claim this will replace the Wharf landing payment, I called and spoke with the coordinator whose phone was on the flyer, he told me with the sticker that cost about 4,600 the vehicle can be driven within Lagos for the period of one month.
“I told him this sticker should be directed to the dealers who take their vehicles around before they are sold,
“The truth remains that they want to take advantage of the fact that lots of vehicles come out of the port and want to compel the clearing agents to make this payment, furthermore they will begin operation with task force to enforce payment for the sticker” he said.
He added that “They have been forcing terminals to include TVT receipt and confirmation to part of the documents for TDO (Terminal Delivery Order)
Another Customs agent, Emeka Mba, General Manager, Zenith Customs Brokers said that the introduction of the new charge will be resisted adding that there some charges with no services rendered.
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