The Governor of Borno State, Babagana Umara Zulum, recently held a meeting with the Acting Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, in Abuja. The meeting was focused on increasing collaboration between the Borno State Government and the Nigerian Customs Service to promote economic growth through trans-border trade with neighbouring countries, namely Cameroon, Chad, and Niger Republic.
Governor Zulum emphasized the importance of creating a seamless trade and economic environment, not only for the benefit of Borno State, but also for the overall prosperity of Nigeria. He expressed his willingness to work with the Nigeria Customs Service to facilitate the transportation of goods between Nigerian borders and its neighbouring countries, which would contribute to the economy of the immediate communities as well as the entire country.
In addition, Governor Zulum praised the Nigeria Customs Service for their support to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), who are predominantly citizens of Borno State affected by the long-standing insurgency. He congratulated Acting CG Adeniyi on his appointment and commended the Nigeria Customs Service for their efforts to improve the living standards of displaced communities in Borno and other parts of the Northeastern region.
In response, CG Adeniyi reassured Governor Zulum of his commitment to developing new measures to restore cross-border trade in Borno. He also expressed the desire for an enhanced relationship with the host communities. CG Adeniyi emphasized the importance of engaging with members of the border communities, especially as the insurgency has been significantly reduced. He expressed the intention to leverage the existing good relationship with Cameroon and the Southern part of Chad to establish a strong relationship moving forward.
Accompanying Governor Zulum during the visit was Borno State Commissioner of Budget and Planning, Babagana Mallumbe Mustapha.
