Buhari: I Closed Borders Deliberately to Force Nigerians to Consume What They Produce
PMB
*Commissions N19.6bn Customs Headquarters
By Our Reporter
The idea of border closure which was a big pain on many traders and Nigerians was a deliberate policy, President Muhammadu Buhari has said.
Buhari who opened up while commissioning N19.6bn Customs Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday said the policy was deliberate for the development of the country.
Buhari pointed out that the closure of the border was to force Nigerians to consume their own products instead of imported goods.
According to him, the policy on rice importation was one of such policies, adding that some of such policies have become legacy programmes.
He said, “I deliberately closed the borders. I said it is either you eat what you grow or you grow what you eat and later Nigerians appreciated it.”
In her speech, the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed, described the new customs headquarters as a symbol of service delivery by the present administration.
Ahmed said she prioritised the welfare of customs by ensuring regular promotions and training.
The Minister commended the President for signing into law Nigeria Customs Act 2022, explaining that it will help the service meet up with global best practices.
She added that the support from the Federal Executive Council (FEC) and other stakeholders have led to improved trade facilitation and revenue generation.
Comptroller-General of Custom, Rted Col Hammed Ali, said the new customs headquarters will create conducive environment for the personnel of the service to work .
He said, “When I assumed office in 2015, I was resolute on implementing the three “Rs”; Reform, Restructure and Raise Revenue profile of the Service.
“In view of this, I was not in doubt that a conducive environment is important and that is why I ensured the completion of the new corporate headquarters.”
By Our Reporter
The idea of border closure which was a big pain on many traders and Nigerians was a deliberate policy, President Muhammadu Buhari has said.
Buhari who opened up while commissioning N19.6bn Customs Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday said the policy was deliberate for the development of the country.
Buhari pointed out that the closure of the border was to force Nigerians to consume their own products instead of imported goods.
According to him, the policy on rice importation was one of such policies, adding that some of such policies have become legacy programmes.
He said, “I deliberately closed the borders. I said it is either you eat what you grow or you grow what you eat and later Nigerians appreciated it.”
In her speech, the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed, described the new customs headquarters as a symbol of service delivery by the present administration.
Ahmed said she prioritised the welfare of customs by ensuring regular promotions and training.
The Minister commended the President for signing into law Nigeria Customs Act 2022, explaining that it will help the service meet up with global best practices.
She added that the support from the Federal Executive Council (FEC) and other stakeholders have led to improved trade facilitation and revenue generation.
Comptroller-General of Custom, Rted Col Hammed Ali, said the new customs headquarters will create conducive environment for the personnel of the service to work .
He said, “When I assumed office in 2015, I was resolute on implementing the three “Rs”; Reform, Restructure and Raise Revenue profile of the Service.
“In view of this, I was not in doubt that a conducive environment is important and that is why I ensured the completion of the new corporate headquarters.”
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