Governor Zulum Engages with Customs Chief to Forge Collaborative Efforts
In a significant step towards bolstering economic growth and enhancing trans-border trade, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State engaged in a productive meeting with the Acting Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, on Thursday in Abuja.
The primary focus of this high-level encounter was to explore and intensify collaboration between the Borno State Government and the Nigeria Customs Service. This collaborative effort is envisaged to serve as a catalyst for economic development, driven by invigorated trans-border trade activities with neighboring countries such as Cameroon, Chad, and Niger Republics.
Governor Zulum underscored the importance of establishing a seamlessly integrated trade and economic environment that would not only bestow substantial benefits upon Borno State but would also contribute significantly to the overarching economic prosperity of the nation. His vision hinges on harnessing the restored sense of peace in Borno State to leverage the Nigeria Customs Service’s capabilities in facilitating the efficient transportation of goods across Nigerian borders with Cameroon, Chad, and Niger. The expected outcome is a multi-pronged economic boost that would radiate from the immediate communities to ultimately enrich the entirety of Nigeria.
Governor Zulum conveyed, “As peace is gradually returning to Borno State, I want to express my readiness to work with 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 Nigeria.”
He commended the Nigeria Custom Service for their support extended to the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), a majority of whom are citizens of Borno State, impacted by the over decade-long insurgency. Governor Zulum’s recognition of the pivotal role played by the Nigeria Customs Service in improving the living conditions of the displaced communities in not only Borno but also across the wider Northeastern region was evident in his words: “Let me, first and foremost, congratulate you on your appointment as the Ag Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs Service; this vital organization in the country. I want to also commend Nigeria Customs Service for uplifting the standards of living of the displaced communities in Borno and other parts of the Northeastern region.”
Acting CG Bashir Adewale Adeniyi reciprocated the enthusiasm and dedication to progress, offering Governor Zulum his commitment to devise novel strategies that will aid in the complete reestablishment of the comprehensive structure of cross-border trade in Borno. CG Adeniyi’s assertion that these measures would not only stimulate the region’s economy but also generate meaningful employment opportunities resonated with Governor Zulum’s overarching goals.
The Custom Chief further highlighted the importance of nurturing an enhanced relationship with the host communities. CG Adeniyi stated, “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 on it to re-establish a good relationship with Cameroon and, of course, the Southern part of Chad.”
In a show of camaraderie and shared objectives, Governor Zulum’s visit was accompanied by the presence of the Borno State Commissioner of Budget and Planning, Engr. Dr. Babagana Mallumbe Mustapha. This ensemble of leaders clearly conveyed the collective determination to forge ahead with collaborative efforts that would transform trans-border trade, invigorate economies, and improve lives across regions.