Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently consider reopening Nigeria’s borders to facilitate food imports and alleviate the suffering of citizens. The governor made this plea in a statement issued by his spokesperson on Media and Publicity, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Monday.
The statement revealed that Governor Yusuf conveyed this message following a meeting with the Comptroller General of the Nigerian Customs Service, Alhaji Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, at the Kano Government House on Sunday. During the meeting, the governor expressed deep concern about the critical situation of hunger and starvation resulting from the “rampant hike in the price of commodities” across the country.
Governor Yusuf’s call for the reopening of borders underscores the urgent need to address the food crisis and alleviate the suffering of Nigerians grappling with skyrocketing prices of essential goods. It highlights the pressing need for decisive action to mitigate the adverse impact of food shortages on the well-being of citizens.
“We appreciate the President’s intervention in the ongoing national food initiative,” Governor Yusuf said, acknowledging Kano as the designated launch site.
“We believe the program will cushion the effects of food scarcity if implemented,” he added.
The Governor proposed an immediate solution for the Federal Government to consider the reopening of the borders and allow free importation of commodities to make food available and affordable to our teeming population.
Emphasizing the hardships faced by residents, particularly during the advent of Ramadan, Governor Yusuf stressed to CG 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.
He pledged his unwavering support to the Customs Service 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 items to Kano residents.