President Bola Tinubu has directed the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to restore food items that were seized from legitimate owners in several border villages, subject to the condition that the goods be sold in Nigerian marketplaces.
During a meeting with residents of border areas at the Kongolam and Mai’Adua border stations over the weekend, Comptroller General of Customs Adewale Adeniyi revealed the information.
He claims that President Tinubu’s choice to exercise his power is not grounded in legal precedent but rather in his abiding charity towards Nigeria.
“In doing so, he has directed that those food items that were going out of the country that have been seized in various border areas should be returned to the owners on the condition that those goods would be sold in the Nigerian markets.
In the process, he issued an order directing the return of food items to their owners who had them seized in different border locations while they were being sold in Nigerian markets.
Thus, we’ll be keeping an eye on you to see if there are any infractions. According to Adeniyi, “those food items will be returned, and we will pass them back into the Nigerian markets.”
Customs boss Adeniyi has stated that only President Tinubu will make a decision regarding the reopening of borders. He reassured communities that discussions on the matter are ongoing and hinted that a decision will be taken once consultations are concluded.
Adeniyi confirmed that the Service will prioritize eliminating barriers that hinder free trade, aligning with the current government’s goal of promoting economic growth. He acknowledged the concerns of border communities, particularly regarding the number of checkpoints and the closure of land borders. He assured that Customs operations are guided by law and only operate on delegated powers.
Adeniyi disclosed that Customs is working with other agencies like the Police to solve problems affecting free trade at the border areas. He met with former President Muhammadu Buhari and the Emir of Daura, Alhaji Umar Faruq-Umar, during his visit.
He stated that Customs will continue to monitor and ensure that food produced in Nigeria remains and is consumed in Nigeria, as the country is in a period of national emergency related to food insufficiency. He urged the collective work of the Customs and other agencies to assist the government in enforcing laws prohibiting food exportation.