NLC Wants Buhari To Stop Customs From Granting Import Duty Waivers

‎The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has charged President Muhammadu Buhari to begin the process of amending the Customs and Excise Management Act, especially with a view of stopping the granting of waivers to importers under any guise.

In a congratulatory letter from the union to Buhari, signed by its factional President; Comrade Joe Ajaero, a copy of which was sent to Shipping Position Daily‎, the NLC also tasked the new administration to‎ develop immediate framework and strategies to deal decisively with smuggling, as well as counterfeiting of made-in –Nigeria goods.

The congress called on the government to encourage the local production of goods in Nigeria, and to address the instability in the foreign exchange.

The NLC observed that over the last decade, the Nigerian economy has grown impressively, but lamented that, the economic statistics have never been in tune with her social reality as unemployment and poverty soared to unprecedented 23.9% and 72% height respectively in recent years. It equally added that it is apparent that the economy has grown without benefiting the people.

Part of the statement reads: "Sir, we urge that your Administration develop immediate framework and strategies to deal decisively with the hydra-headed challenge of smuggling, electricity failure, faking and counterfeiting of made-in-Nigeria goods."

‎"We demand a macro-economic policy regime that will address stability in the currency exchange regime, progressive tax administration and the management of customs and excise duties in the manners that will promote local production of goods and services."

"We must say bye to the destructive regime of duty waivers".

In order to put an end to the paradox of growth, joblessness and incidence of growing poverty, the NLC urged Buhari to concentrate his administration’s efforts on expanding the frontier for job creation through value-added activities in agriculture, mining, mineral processing and industrial manufacturing.

"Your Excellency may, please, wish to agree that the growth and development of the real sectors and increased value added in manufacturing are quite critical for creation of mass decent jobs, poverty elimination and for building a virile and sustainable economy anticipated by revered person during your campaigns"

‎The NLC acknowledged that the past administration made remarkable investment in the on-going rehabilitation, re-equipping and modernization of the rail transport sub-sector.

It however urged Buhari's administration to follow the same path in order to sustain and improve on the investment in the rail transport sub-sector with a view to making the rail transport sector public transport that requires no privatization in any guise.

"Your Excellency, your good and esteemed office, no doubt, is aware that the expectations of Nigerians for change in all facets of governance are quite huge. We therefore urge your office to be cautious of sycophants and perennial parasites of the Nigerian State and select a team of young, vibrant, patriotic and incorruptible Nigerians who share your vision of open and transparent government with a patiortic desire to serve the people" it said.http://shippingposition.com.ng/article/nlc-wants-buhari-stop-customs-granting-import-duty-waivershttp://shippingposition.com.ng/article/nlc-wants-buhari-stop-customs-granting-import-duty-waivers