NIGERIA BEGINS PROCESS OF PHASING OUT TOKUNBO CARS

The Nigerian government has begun the process of phasing out second hand vehicles, popularly called tokunbo in the country.

To this end, the Federal Executive Council today (WEDNESDAY), approved a national automotive policy to further encourage local manufacture of vehicles in Nigeria.

Information Minister, Labaran Maku, explained that the policy will is aimed at restoring the good old days, when one can drive home a brand new car with ease.

Similarly, Minister of Trade and Investments, Olusegun Aganga, revealed that Nigeria spent 4.2billion naira in 2010 importing cars, adding that past administrations failed to cash-in on the huge automotive market in Nigeria.

Mr Aganga said FEC also approved that henceforth, government would purchase vehicles from the assembly plants in Nigeria, unless it can be certified by the National Automotive Council that such vehicles are sophisticated and not produced in Nigeria.

Also today, the Federal Executive Council approved the rehabilitation and expansion of the outer southern expressway (OSEX) from the Presidential villa roundabout to the OSEX / Ring Road-one junction including five interchanges.

Council equally approved the provision of infrastructure in Asokoro Extensions at a cost of one-point-six-billion naira, to reduce the housing deficit in the Federal Capital Territory.

FCT Minister, Bala Mohammed the road projects is to ensure free flow of traffic and significantly reduce travel time in and out of the city, in line with the master plan of the FCT.