The Association of Motor Dealers of Nigeria (AMDON) in Kwara State has said the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) for clearing imported vehicles will raise the price of vehicles out of the reach of the masses.

President of the association Abdulhamid Dare Abdul made the assertion while speaking on the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) new regulation in Ilorin on Thursday.

He said the policy is capable of pushing many car dealers into smuggling which might destroy the gains recorded in the automobile market.

He, therefore, called for its suspension pending review and involvement by all stakeholders including dealers.

"In view of this, the Association of Motor Dealers, therefore, calls on the federal government and the Nigeria Customs Service to, for the sake of Nigerian citizens, suspend this policy and liaise appropriately with all relevant stakeholders to arrive at an acceptable value.

"We wish to reiterate that what the law mandates the customs to collect is some percentage on the purchasing price of vehicles and not depreciating cost of vehicles," he said.

The NCS earlier this week announced a 31-day suspension of the electronic valuation system for imported vehicles.

The National Public Relations Officer of Customs, Timi Bomodi, said the agency suspended the policy for 31 days to allow for clearance of vehicles trapped in the ports.