ZAINAB JUNAID
Governor Abba Kabir of Kano State has commended the Nigeria Customs Service for the measures put in place to promote economic prosperity of the State and Nigeria at large.
Governor Kabir gave the commendation while playing a host to the Comptroller General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi and his team at Kano State Government House on Sunday, March 20, 2024.
While addressing the CGC, he expressed satisfaction over the proactive approach deployed by NCS in safeguarding the nation’s borders, adding the Comptroller General came to Kano at the right time when import and export activities need his service to implement policies that will enhance trade since Kano is the largest commerce hub after Lagos.
The Governor, who 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.
He also 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 said
While appreciating the move to intensify the welfare of the citizenry by President Tinubu, Governor Abba expressed optimism that the Service, having engaged in talks with business communities in the state, the challenges of food scarcity will soon be resolved.
The CGC had over the weekend paid official visit to Kano State Governor; held breakfast meeting with strategic Stakeholders in the State to enhance trade facilitation; and also met with Mamuda Group of Companies in Chalawa.
His visit was aimed at rekindling the longstanding partnership between the Service and Kano State Government.
During the breakfast meeting with stakeholders ranging from the leadership of Customs License Agents, Bonded Terminal Operators, and Importers, the Stakeholders voiced their concerns over the bottlenecks in clearing their consignments from Lagos and Onne Ports.
They emphasized more on the challenges associated with the change of procedure code and compounded by a cumbersome process for clearance consignments on transit from coastal ports to Inland Container Terminals in Kano.
CG Adewale responded to their complaints with an assuring tone saying the Service is aware of the frustration faced by the Stakeholders and his committed to address the issues head-on. “Our goal is to streamline processes and ensure a seamless flow of goods across borders, ultimately driving economic growth and development. We will work closely with shipping lines through the Nigerian Shippers Council to resolve any issue hindering the timely clearance of goods.”
“On the delayed escort of goods in transit, we are planning to automate the process by deploying an Electronic Cargo Tracking System,” he added.
At the Government House, CG Adewale shared the directives from President Ahmed Tinubu regarding the return of detained grains suspected of illegal export back to o their owners with the condition that they would be reintroduced into the domestic market 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 had said.
However, at Mamuda Group of Companies, Chalawa, Chairman and CEO of the Company, Hassan Hammoud and other leaders of the factory, led CGC Adeniyi on a sightseeing tour of the factory, showcasing the company’s operations and facilities.
Hassan Hammoud reassured CGC Adeniyi of the Mamuda Group’s unwavering commitment to complying with customs provisions and regulations, reaffirming the company’s dedication to maintaining a mutually beneficial relationship with the Nigeria Customs Service.
