Joyce Mmereole Okoli
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, recently held a pivotal meeting with Governor Abba Kabir of Kano State, reinforcing the commitment of the Nigeria Customs Service to boost trade and address food security challenges in the region.
During the Sunday morning meeting at the Kano State Government House, CGC Adeniyi emphasized the need for collaboration, expressing gratitude for the warm reception and acknowledging the historical significance of trade in Kano.
Addressing concerns, CGC Adeniyi highlighted the necessity of establishing an export terminal in Kano to streamline business operations.
“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.”
He conveyed President Ahmed Tinubu’s directives on the return of detained grains, emphasizing their contribution to 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 welcomed CGC Adeniyi’s proactive approach and pledged the Kano State Government’s full support in implementing policies to enhance import and export activities.
“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,” said the Governor.
The governor particularly commended the CGC’s visit to the Dawanau International Grains Market and assured swift action in establishing an export warehouse.
“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.
In a separate engagement, CGC Adeniyi visited the Mamuda Group of Companies in Chalawa. The visit underscored the Customs Service’s commitment to collaboration with private enterprises for enhanced revenue generation and trade facilitation.
Mr. Hassan Hammoud, Chairman and CEO of Mamuda Group, expressed appreciation for CGC Adeniyi’s visit and reassured compliance with customs regulations.
The factory tour showcased the company’s operations, reaffirming the Mamuda Group’s dedication to a mutually beneficial relationship with the Nigeria Customs Service.
The engagements highlighted Adeniyi’s strategic efforts to strengthen ties between the Customs Service and key stakeholders, fostering economic growth and prosperity in Kano and Nigeria at large.