The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Bashir Adeniyi, on Saturday, said that only President Bola Tinubu has the constitutional powers to reopen borders in the country.
This was revealed at an interactive session in Mai’adua Local Government Area of Katsina State with members of the Kongolam border community.
While reacting to agitation for the reopening of the borders, the CG assured that engagements and consultations were being made regarding the issue.
“Once consultations are concluded, a decision will be taken on the matter,” he said.
The Customs will focus on removing obstacles standing against free trade in line with the present administration’s agenda of enabling economic prosperity, according to Mr. Adeniyi.
Speaking further, he said that proactive measures are being taken to reduce the number of checkpoints along the border posts, and promote synergy between the Service personnel and traders.
“We are conscious of the concerns of the border communities, particularly with regards to the number of checkpoints and the closure of land borders
“I assure you that our operations are always guided by law and we only operate on delegated powers.
“We have communicated the concerns and complaints by residents of the border communities to the President.
“Because he has listening ears, and directed that we should release confiscated food items, on the condition that it only be sold in Nigerian markets,” he stated.
Earlier, he said the service was collaborating with the Police and other sister agencies to address obstacles standing against free trade in the border areas.
“We know that there are markets around our borders, and we know that not all of them are targeted at taking goods across the borders.
“We will continue to monitor and ensure that food that is produced in Nigeria remains and is consumed in Nigeria. This is because we are in a period of national emergency that has to do with food insufficiency.
“And that is why we must collectively work together to assist the government to enforce the various laws prohibiting exportation of food items at this time,” he said.