Fresh indications have emerged on why the Lagos State Government (LASG) is struggling to be developing seaports here and there. The target is simply; to continue to make money through imposition of all manner of taxes on imports without recourse to the economic implications on the economy.
Only recently, the state has introduced another port fee, called Temporary Vehicle Tag (TVT), after introducing Wharf Landing Fee (WLF) under former administration of Mr. Babatunde Fashola.
Already, many Nigerian customs agents have kicked against TVT which is attaches a fee of N4,600 on all imported vehicles coming out of ports in the state.
Business Hilights gathered that TVT charge was introduced by the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation; Motor Vehicle Administration Agency (MVAA).
Already, the state seemed to have convinced the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), which has reportedly linked TVT payment to the Terminal Delivery Order (TDO), and directed terminal operators not to release any vehicle without evidence of payment.
Whereas the Managing Director of the Lagos State Wharf Landing Fee Collection Authority, Mr. Gboyega Savaldor said the introduction of the TVT charge is for the security of everybody living in Lagos, many Customs Agents disagreed with him, saying the state government is just looking for how to extort money from car importers in coming up with the new tax as import of cars has nothing to do with security matters after all.
On claiming that the new charge will check the use of unregistered vehicles by dealers who sometimes use these categories of vehicles for criminal purposes, agents argued that Savador’s reasoning was very empty as clearing agents has no business in driving cars around town, but only car dealers. They therefore advised the government to push the tax to car dealers if they are sincere of not targeting importers.
Meanwhile, according to Savador, 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.
