EFFECT OF OLD CARS IMPORTATION BUSINESSES (TOKUMBO CARS) ON ENVIRONMENTAL COST AND SAFETY IN NIGERIA

Abstract

During the period of economic depression in Nigeria, the purchasing power became low. Imported
used vehicles became the norm because the costs of new ones were far above the income of most of
the population. The paper examines environmental implication of the importation over a period of
five years (2020-2024). Time series analysis was used to 10 determine the trend of pollution,
forecast were also made for importation for 5 years. This paper also suggests a control mechanism.
In order to address the severe lack of transportation facilities in most developing nations, most
have turned to importing used cars, some of which are so dilapidated that they never serve any
purpose before ending up in junkyards and refuse dumps. This paper aims to quantify the potential
salvage value and cost of service materials from these imported used cars in Nigeria, where the
majority of urban streets and construction sites are littered with junk cars that were abandoned by
their owners. It is concluded that, such vehicle are harmful to environment and cost the country so
much. It is also recommended that the used vehicles entering the country must pass an approved
emission test to demonstrate that their emission control equipment is functioning as intended,
Public and consumer awareness campaigns should be created on the havoc and financial
implication of used vehicles on the environment.