The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Mr. Adewale Adeniyi, declared on Saturday that the power to reopen borders in the country rests solely with President Bola Tinubu, News About Nigeria reports.
This statement came during an interactive session with members of the Kongolam border community in Mai’adua Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Responding to calls for the reopening of borders, Adeniyi assured the community that discussions and consultations were underway on the matter.
“Once consultations are concluded, a decision will be taken on the matter,” he stated.
Adeniyi mentioned that checkpoints would be reduced along border posts to encourage cooperation between traders and service staff.
“We are conscious of the concerns of the border communities, particularly with regards to 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 communicated the concerns and complaints of residents of the border communities to the President,” he explained, adding that the President directed the release of confiscated food items to be sold exclusively in Nigerian markets.
Adeniyi noted that the Customs Service is working in tandem with the police and other agencies to address obstacles affecting free trade in border areas.
He stressed the importance of ensuring that food produced in Nigeria remains within the country, especially during the current period of national food emergency.
Referring to the Export Prohibition Act, Adeniyi stated that the exportation of certain food items, including maize, rice, beans, yam, millet, and sorghum, is prohibited.
Commending the collaboration between the Customs Service and other security agencies, Adeniyi expressed gratitude to stakeholders for their support.
In addition to the border community, he also visited former President Muhammadu Buhari and the Emir of Daura, Alhaji Umar Faruq-Umar.
