Freight Forwarders Seek Review of Vehicle Import Restriction at Seme Border

Freight forwarders operating at the Seme border have called on the Federal Government to urgently review the restriction on vehicle importation through land borders, citing its adverse impact on businesses and employment.
The stakeholders argued that the policy, which has been in place since 2016, has significantly reduced commercial activities at the border, leading to business closures and loss of jobs for many operators who depend on vehicle importation for their livelihoods.
According to the freight forwarders, the restriction has weakened economic activities within border communities and negatively affected revenue generation for businesses involved in logistics, customs clearance, and related services.
They appealed to the government to reconsider the policy in order to revive trade, stimulate economic growth, and create employment opportunities for thousands of people operating within the border corridor.
The operators maintained that a review of the restriction would enhance legitimate cross-border trade while providing relief to businesses that have struggled to survive under the current arrangement.
They also called for continued engagement between government agencies and industry stakeholders to develop policies that balance economic growth, revenue generation, and national security concerns.