By Steve Agbota
The Nigeria Customs Service is pushing for the creation of an export terminal in Kano, a development that feeds into its economic expansion and trade facilitation agenda for the state and nation at large.
The Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, made the commitment during a courtesy visit to the Kano state governor, Abba Kabir last weekend.
Adeniyi also highlighted the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to enhance trade and address food security challenges in Kano State.
The CGC, who recounted his visit to the Emir of Kano and stakeholders at the Dawanau International Grains Market, reiterated the Service’s dedication to enhancing trade facilitation and collaborating closely with the Kano community to address common challenges so far identified.
“Part of the major concerns that we have in Kano include the need for Customs to establish an export terminal to help streamline business in the state.
“On behalf of the President, I want to commend the effort to address the challenges of food security, and we believe that with your support, there’s room to do more,” the CGC said
Furthermore, Adeniyi shared directives from President Ahmed Tinubu regarding the return of detained grains suspected of illegal export to their owners, with the condition that they would be reintroduced into the domestic markets to alleviate food insecurity.
“One of the primary objectives of the visit was to rejuvenate the historical rapport between the Nigeria Customs Service and the Kano State Government, to enhance cooperation for the mutual benefit of both entities.” CGC Adeniyi affirmed.
Speaking further, the CGC said, “Kano has been an esteemed centre of commerce and also a significant link to foster trade in Nigeria.
“It has been a deliberate strategy of government to promote the development of inland deports and the Nigeria Customs Service is making arrangements to streamline the process in Kano.”
Governor Abba Kabir of Kano State lauded the proactive approach of the Nigeria Customs Service in safeguarding the nation’s borders and his commitment to promoting economic prosperity in Kano and Nigeria at large. The governor, who said he was impressed with the CGC’s engagements during his official visit, reiterated the commitment of the Kano State Government to providing the necessary support and cooperation to the Nigeria Customs Service in fulfilling its mandate within the state.
“Let me say that you have come to Kano at the right time when import and export activities need your service to implement policies that will enhance them because Kano is the largest commerce hub after Lagos.” Governor Abba said.
The governor particularly applauded CGC Adeniyi’s visit to the Dawanau International Grains Market and urged expedited action in establishing an export warehouse at the market, “For that, I assure you of my government’s full support so that Kano will become stronger in terms of investment in the country.” he added.
While appreciating the move to intensify the welfare of the citizenry by President Tinubu, Governor Abba also expressed optimism that the Service, having engaged in talks with business communities in the state; the challenges of food scarcity will be a thing of the past.