The Comptroller-Normal of the Nigeria Customs Service, Mr Adewale Adeniyi, on Saturday, stated that solely President Bola Tinubu has the prerogative to reopen borders within the nation.
He said this at an interplay session with members of the Kongolam border group in Mai’adua Native Authorities Space of Katsina State.
Adeniyi, who was reacting to agitation for the reopening of the borders, assured that engagements and consultations have been being made relating to the problem.
“As soon as consultations are concluded, a choice will likely be taken on the matter,” he stated.
In keeping with Adeniyi, the Service will concentrate on eradicating obstacles militating towards free commerce according to the current administration’s agenda of fostering financial prosperity.
He stated that proactive measures had been employed to scale back the variety of checkpoints alongside the border posts, and promote synergy between the Service personnel and merchants.
“We’re acutely aware of the considerations of the border communities, notably close to the variety of checkpoints and the closure of land borders
“I guarantee you that our operations are all the time guided by regulation and we solely function on delegated powers.
“Now we have communicated the considerations and complaints by residents of the border communities to the President.
“As a result of he has listening ears, and directed that we should always launch confiscated meals objects, on the situation that it solely be bought in Nigerian markets,” he stated.
Adeniyi stated the Service was collaborating with the Police and different sister businesses to deal with obstacles militating towards free commerce within the border areas.
“We all know that there are markets round our borders, and we all know that not all of them are focused at taking items throughout the borders.
“We’ll proceed to observe and be sure that meals that’s produced in Nigeria stays and is consumed in Nigeria. It’s because we’re in a interval of nationwide emergency that has to do with meals insufficiency.
“And that’s the reason we should collectively work collectively to help the federal government to implement the varied legal guidelines prohibiting exportation of meals objects at the moment,” he stated.
