Closing The Border Is How We Can Enforce Anti-Smuggling Laws – Sanusi

The Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi has come out to say that he supports the Federal Government for deciding to close land borders.

Speaking yesterday at his palace, he said this closure is the only way we can make sure anti-smuggling laws are enforced in the country.

The ex CBN governor added that it is compulsory to close the borders to protect rice farmers in Nigeria.

His words, “Closing the borders becomes indispensable because our neighbouring countries are not helping us to protect our economy. For instance, if you want to protect rice farmers, you have to impose heavy taxation on the importation of foreign rice into the country.

“Therefore, any country that allows smuggling of rice into Nigeria through its borders is doing that at the expense of our farmers who could not withstand competition with foreign producers. Besides rice and other food items, you must also understand that all the illicit drugs get into this country through the land borders.

“So sometimes it is important to take these difficult decisions so that we get the cooperation and collaboration of Customs officials across the borders. It is something that I wholeheartedly support. I think it is temporary and I think it will lead to improvement.”