In a bid to alleviate the prevailing economic hardship and food scarcity gripping the nation, Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, has fervently appealed to President Bola Tinubu to reconsider reopening Nigeria’s land borders.
The closure of land borders during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari aimed to curb smuggling and promote local consumption. However, over a year later, Governor Abba Yusuf believes that reopening these borders is essential to combating inflation and reducing the skyrocketing prices of food items.
In a meeting with the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, Governor Yusuf expressed deep concern over the harsh economic realities Nigerians face. He emphasized the critical need to address hunger and starvation, which have worsened due to the exorbitant prices of essential commodities.
Governor Yusuf stated, “I was honored to receive in audience, the Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Customs Service, CG Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, at Government House in Kano. During the audience, I lamented the critical condition of hunger and starvation in the country which was caused by the rampant hike in the price of commodities. I also made a passionate appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to, as a matter of urgency, consider the reopening of the country’s borders for the importation of foodstuffs to alleviate the suffering.”
He further commended the Customs Service’s initiative to distribute food items to the people of Kano, urging for equitable distribution to reach those most affected.
In response, Adeniyi stressed the importance of collaboration between Customs and the Kano community, highlighting the commitment of NCS to enhancing engagement with stakeholders. He pledged to implement policies aimed at streamlining business processes and fostering mutual understanding.
Governor Yusuf reiterated his support for the Customs Service, vowing to continue assisting to ensure the effective discharge of its mandate.
