The Acting Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, has revealed plans to restore strong ties with Cameroon and the southern part of Chad. In a statement obtained on Friday, Adeniyi made this announcement during his meeting with the Governor of Borno State, Prof Babagana Zulum, in Abuja.
Adeniyi expressed the service’s commitment to reestablishing cross-border trade in the northeast region, aiming to bolster the economy and generate employment opportunities. He emphasized the need for collaboration with border communities in Borno to leverage their improved relationship and extend it to Cameroon and the southern part of Chad.
Highlighting the significance of this initiative, Adeniyi affirmed that these efforts would play a pivotal role in fostering economic growth and job creation within the state. He appreciated the longstanding partnership between the Nigeria Customs Service and the Borno State Government in matters of border security and humanitarian support.
Furthermore, Adeniyi assured the governor of his administration’s determination to collaborate with the military in devising innovative strategies to fully reinstate the framework for cross-border trade in the region.
Governor Zulum commended Adeniyi’s appointment as the Comptroller-General and praised the Nigeria Customs Service for their humanitarian efforts in providing sustenance to displaced communities, thereby easing the plight of victims affected by the Boko Haram insurgency.
Expressing his aspirations, Zulum indicated a desire to work closely with the Nigeria Customs Service to facilitate cross-border trade in the North-East, with a specific focus on Borno State. As the region continues to experience a return to peace, Zulum emphasized his willingness to collaborate with the NCS to enhance the transportation of goods across the borders of Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad, and Niger.