Customs CG: Borders Reopening Under Consultation

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Mr. Adewale Adeniyi, revealed on Saturday ongoing consultations regarding the reopening of borders, emphasizing that only President Bola Tinubu holds the authority to make such decisions.

During an interaction session with members of the Kongolam border community in Mai’adua Local Government Area of Katsina State, Adeniyi addressed the agitation for border reopening, assuring that thorough engagements and consultations were underway.

Adeniyi highlighted the Service’s commitment to facilitating free trade, aligning with the government’s agenda of promoting economic prosperity. Measures to reduce checkpoints along border posts and enhance collaboration between service personnel and traders have been implemented.

Acknowledging the concerns of border communities, particularly regarding checkpoints and border closures, Adeniyi assured adherence to legal frameworks and delegated powers, emphasizing President Tinubu’s receptiveness to residents’ grievances.

He reiterated the importance of enforcing laws prohibiting the exportation of essential food items amid the national food insufficiency crisis, citing the Export Prohibition Act’s provisions banning the export of maize, rice, beans, yam, millet, and sorghum.

Adeniyi expressed gratitude for the cooperation among security agencies and stakeholders, including former President Muhammad Buhari and the Emir of Daura, Alhaji Umar Faruq-Umar. He also acknowledged recent appeals for border reopening, following the Economic Community of West African States’ resolution to open land borders between member countries and Niger Republic.