The head of Customs, Mr Adewale Adeniyi, said on Saturday that talks are ongoing about opening the borders.
He also mentioned that only President Bola Tinubu has the authority to reopen borders in the country.
He made these comments during a meeting with members of the Kongolam border community in Mai’adua Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Adeniyi assured that discussions and consultations are taking place regarding the issue in response to calls for the borders to be reopened.
“Once discussions are finished, a decision will be made on the matter,” he said.
Free trade, Border communities
According to Adeniyi, the Service will focus on removing obstacles to free trade in line with the current administration’s goal of promoting economic prosperity.
He stated that proactive measures had been taken to reduce the number of checkpoints along the border posts and enhance collaboration between the service personnel and traders.
“We are aware of the concerns of the border communities, especially regarding 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 conveyed the concerns and complaints of residents of the border communities to the President.
“Because he is attentive, and directed that we should release confiscated food items, with the condition that it only be sold in Nigerian markets,” he said.
Adeniyi said the Service was working with the Police and other sister agencies to address obstacles to free trade in the border areas.
“We know that there are markets around our borders, and we know that not all of them are intended to transport goods across the borders.
“We will continue to monitor and ensure that food produced in Nigeria remains in the country for consumption. This is because we are in a period of national emergency related to food scarcity.
“And that is why we must all work together to help the government enforce the various laws prohibiting the exportation of food items at this time,” he said.
Export Prohibition Act
He stated that the Export Prohibition Act prohibits the exportation of maize, rice, beans, yam, millet, and sorghum.
While applauding the collaboration between the Service and other security agencies, Adeniyi thanked other stakeholders for their support.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Adeniyi also visited former President Muhammad Buhari and the Emir of Daura, Alhaji Umar Faruq-Umar.
Over a week after the Economic Community of West African States called for all land borders between its member countries and the Niger Republic to be open, residents of the Illela Local Government Area of Sokoto State last week appealed to the Federal Government for immediate action and its opening.
(NAN)
