Thread by @sarnchos

We Nigerians are the ones who turned our country to the poverty capital of the world.

I make bold to say that you cannot successfully make a profit from selling used imported cars except you either smuggle or dodge tarrifs.

I tried importing cars in 2010 and I failed to sell

for a profit.

I couldn't understand how others were doing it.

We were all buying from the same auctions in the US, and yet, somehow customers would always get much cheaper deals from other sellers.

I finally gave up the business in frustration and plenty debt.

Later on, I discovered a "depot" in ladipo market where cars which had been purchased abroad were cut into pieces so that up to 13 cars could fit into a 40ft container

These "scraps" are then reassembled into functional vehicles without any unsuspecting person being the wiser

There are so many ways that importers cheat the system in collusion with customs officials and clearing agents and these schemes all serve to beggar the public purse.

Majority of commercial activity in Nigeria is informal because many of us wilfully keep transactions in the dark

We deliberately cheat the system in order to make a profit and we turn around to blame the government for not providing adequate infrastructure and services.

This attitudes need to change

That's why I don't blame the recent brutality that customs has adopted against car dealers