52ND JCC : SSASCGOC Sounds Alarm Over Customs Duties On Imported Vehicles , Lauds PTML For RORO Operations
The Senior Staff Association of Statutory Corporations and Government Owned Companies (SSASCGOC) Maritime Branch on Thursday in Ogun State made a passionate appeal to the federal government to review duty payments on imported vehicles to help terminal operators like Ports and Terminal Multiservice Limited (PTML) stay in business.
Comrade Akinola Bodunde, President of SSASCGOC Maritime Branch, stated during the union’s 52nd Joint Consultative Council (JCC) meeting held in Ijebu Ode that Nigerians can no longer afford to buy vehicles due to the high duties and levies on vehicle importation.
According to Bodunde, Roll-on/Roll-off (RORO) terminal operators at seaports are struggling to break even because of the harsh government policies on vehicle importation.
He added that these policies have caused Nigerian buyers to abandon used vehicles (tokunbo), directly affecting the patronage of Nigerian used cars.
The SSASCGOC leader emphasized that buying Nigerian used vehicles has become a dead end and urged the government to adopt policies encouraging the importation of vehicles, which could generate more revenue.
He also praised PTML management for their unwavering support in ensuring a successful JCC for the last quarter of the year and assured that the union will continue to advocate for pro-labor policies.
Bodunde lamented that before the strict vehicle importation policy, terminal operators like PTML handled over 5,500 cars shipped to Nigeria, but this number has dropped drastically to about 250 units per vessel, a decline he described as discouraging for the shipping business in Nigeria.
Regarding porous land borders, Bodunde alleged widespread illegal vehicle importation across Nigeria’s international frontiers, stressing that it results in significant revenue losses for the government.
He said, “PTML is mainly a RORO port, but currently, very few cars are arriving. Forex rates and customs duties are extremely high, and the government needs to review these charges. Buying Nigerian used cars has become a dead trap.
The JCC, organized by SSASCGOC Maritime Branch, had the theme “Union Participation and Its Impact on Port Governance and Decision Making in Developing Economies.”
Newly elected Chairman of JCC West, Comrade Ajibade Olalekan, in his acceptance speech, stated, “Together, we will strengthen the unity, dignity, and welfare of our members. This office is about collective progress—not just one individual.
“We will raise our voices where it matters, protect workers’ rights, and promote harmony with management based on fairness and justice.
“I pledge to uphold integrity, transparency, and accountability and to work hand-in-hand with our executives, delegates, and members to build on our foundations and push for better conditions, improved welfare, and sustainable growth.