The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Mr. Adewale Adeniyi, stated that only President Bola Tinubu has the authority to reopen the country’s borders.
He made this declaration during an interaction with members of the Kongolam border community in Mai’adua Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Adeniyi responded to calls for the border’s reopening, assuring the community that consultations and engagements were ongoing regarding the matter.
“Once consultations are concluded, a decision will be taken on the matter,” he said.
He emphasized the Service’s commitment to removing obstacles hindering free trade, aligning with the present administration’s agenda of promoting economic prosperity.
Adeniyi highlighted proactive measures, including reducing the number of checkpoints along the border posts and fostering synergy between Service personnel and traders.
Adeniyi also addressed concerns raised by border communities, stating, “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.”
He further mentioned collaboration with the Police and other agencies to address obstacles to free trade in border areas, emphasizing the need to ensure food produced in Nigeria remains and is consumed within the country.
Adeniyi stressed the importance of collective efforts to enforce laws prohibiting the exportation of food items, especially during the current national emergency related to food insufficiency.
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