Trans-border trade: Zulum meets Custom’s CG, seeks collaboration

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, on Thursday in Abuja, met with the Acting Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.

During the meeting, Zulum sought increased collaboration between the Borno State Government and the Nigerian Customs Service to foster economic growth through enhanced trans-border trade with neighbouring countries of Cameroon, Chad and Niger Republic.

Zulum emphasised that a seamless trade and economic environment would not only benefit Borno State but also contribute to the nation’s economic prosperity.

“As peace is gradually returning to Borno State, I want to express my readiness to work with the Nigeria Customs Service to enhance the transportation of goods between Nigerian borders with Cameroon, Chad and Niger, which will in turn enhance the economy of not only the immediate communities but the entire country,” Zulum said.

While congratulating the Acting CG, Governor Zulum expressed gratitude to the leadership of the Nigeria Customs Service for their support to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), who are largely citizens of Borno State affected by the over a decade-old insurgency.

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“Let me, first and foremost, congratulate you on your appointment as the Acting Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs Service; this vital organisation in the country. I want to also commend the Nigeria Customs Service for uplifting the standards of living of the displaced communities in Borno and other parts of the Northeastern region,” Zulum said.

Responding, CG Adeniyi assured Governor Zulum of his commitment to developing new measures to assist in re-establishing the full structure of cross-border trade in Borno.

The CG also sought an enhanced relationship with the host communities.

He said: “Moving forward, we will need your support to engage with members of the border communities in Borno, especially as the insurgency has been degraded. We will build on the good relationship that we have and leverage it to re-establish a good relationship with Cameroon and, of course, the Southern part of Chad.”

During the visit, Zulum was accompanied by Borno State Commissioner of Budget and Planning, Babagana Mallumbe Mustapha.