Abba Kabir Yusuf, the Governor of Kano State, has made an appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to promptly reassess the closure of Nigeria’s borders, emphasizing the critical need to permit food imports to ease the plight of Nigerians.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Governor’s spokesperson on Media and Publicity, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa on Monday.
According to the statement, the governor revealed this following a meeting with the Comptroller General of the Nigerian Customs Service, Alhaji Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, at the Kano Government House on Sunday.
Governor Yusuf voiced worry about the dire hunger and starvation situation triggered by the widespread surge in commodity prices across the nation.
Governor Yusuf said, “We appreciate the President’s intervention on the ongoing national food initiative.
“We believe the program will cushion the effects of food scarcity if implemented,” he added.
The Governor suggested an urgent solution for the Federal Government to explore: reopening the borders and enabling unrestricted importation of commodities to ensure food availability and affordability for our growing population.
Speaking on the hardships faced by residents, particularly during the Ramadan season, Governor Yusuf stressed to the Adeniyi, the necessity of opening the borders to alleviate distress.
While commending the Customs Service’s initiative to distribute food items, Governor Yusuf urged them to ensure that this benevolent act reaches those most affected.
Furthermore, the Governor assured the Customs Service of his unwavering support in all aspects, particularly those that would yield positive outcomes for Kano and Nigeria at large.
In his remarks, Adeniyi reiterated the significance of fortifying the bond between the Nigeria Customs Service and the Kano community, emphasizing the Service’s deeper commitment to collaboration and mutual understanding.
He pledged to implement policies aimed at refining business processes and fostering engagement with stakeholders.
Adeniyi also confirmed that the Customs Service had made arrangements to address the current challenges by distributing essential food it
ems to Kano residents.