The story is pretty common in these parts and can be summarized like this: Nigerians want to import some good X. Nigerian policy makers want to prevent Nigerians from importing that good X and increases tariffs on it. Politically connected consumer of good X solves some math and calculates that if they can get an exemption from the tariffs they could make a decent return from arbitrage, or get a leg up on competitors. Politically connected consumer is willing to invest some of those profits in convincing whoever makes the decision on exemptions. That investment could be straight up corruption or its “clean” sibling, lobbying.
Nigeria is normal episode 736: tariff waivers.
Nigeria is normal episode 736: tariff…
Nigeria is normal episode 736: tariff waivers.
The story is pretty common in these parts and can be summarized like this: Nigerians want to import some good X. Nigerian policy makers want to prevent Nigerians from importing that good X and increases tariffs on it. Politically connected consumer of good X solves some math and calculates that if they can get an exemption from the tariffs they could make a decent return from arbitrage, or get a leg up on competitors. Politically connected consumer is willing to invest some of those profits in convincing whoever makes the decision on exemptions. That investment could be straight up corruption or its “clean” sibling, lobbying.