The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, disclosed on Saturday that discussions and engagements regarding the reopening of land borders are currently in progress.
Adeniyi shared this update during an interaction session with members of the Kongolam border community in Mai’adua Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Addressing the growing calls for the reopening of borders, Adeniyi emphasized that only President Bola Tinubu holds the authority to make decisions regarding border operations in the country.
He stressed that the Nigeria Customs Service is committed to facilitating free trade and enhancing economic prosperity, aligning with the current administration’s agenda.
He said proactive measures had been employed to reduce the number of checkpoints along the border posts and promote synergy between Service personnel and traders.
He said, “Once consultations are concluded, a decision will be taken on the matter.
“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 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.”
Adeniyi said the Service was collaborating with the Police and other sister agencies to address obstacles militating against free trade in the border areas.
He added, “We know that there are markets around our borders, and we know that not all of them are targeted at taking goods across the borders.
“We will continue to monitor and ensure that food that is produced in Nigeria remains and is consumed in Nigeria. This is because we are in a period of national emergency that has to do with food insufficiency.
“And that is why we must collectively work together to assist the government to enforce the various laws prohibiting exportation of food items at this time.”
