ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, says only President Bola Tinubu can give instructions for the reopening of borders in the country.
He stated this while speaking to the Kongolam border community in Mai’adua Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Reacting on Saturday to agitations for the reopening of the borders, Adeniyi assured that engagements and consultations were being made regarding the issue.
He said, “Once consultations are concluded, a decision will be taken on the matter.”
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According to him, the Service will focus on removing obstacles militating against free trade in line with the present administration’s agenda of fostering economic prosperity.
Adeniyi noted that proactive measures had been employed to reduce the number of checkpoints along the border posts, and promote synergy between the Service personnel and traders.
He said: “We are conscious of the concerns of the border communities, particularly with regards to the number of checkpoints and the closure of land borders
“I assure you that our operations are always guided by law and we only operate on delegated powers.
“We have communicated the concerns and complaints by residents of the border communities to the President.
“Because he has listening ears, and directed that we should release confiscated food items, on the condition that it only be sold in Nigerian markets.”
Adeniyi also stated that the Service was collaborating with the Police and other sister agencies to address obstacles militating against free trade in the border areas, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
He added: “We know that there are markets around our borders, and we know that not all of them are targeted at taking goods across the borders.
“We will continue to monitor and ensure that food that is produced in Nigeria remains and is consumed in Nigeria.
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“This is because we are in a period of national emergency that has to do with food insufficiency.
“And that is why we must collectively work together to assist the government to enforce the various laws prohibiting exportation of food items at this time.”
He said the Export Prohibition Act banned exportation of maize, rice, beans, yam, millet and sorghum.
Adeniyi commended the synergy between the Service and other security agencies, and thanked other stakeholders for their support.