Customs Vow Revival of Northern Inland Dry Ports

The acting Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, has said that the service will look into the northern inland dry port and the Federal Government will fast-track activities there.

According to a statement, on Wednesday, signed by the National Public Relations Officer of the service, Abdullahi Maiwada, Adeniyi said that when he hosted the Arewa Consultative Forum led by its Chairman, Ibrahim Dandakata in Abuja recently.

Adeniyi declared that his administration was working to enhance trade in the North, considering its importance in boosting the country’s economy and prosperity.

He added: “Customs is willing to support the Northern Inland Dry Port. Considering the significance of trade in Northern Nigeria, the Nigeria Customs Service finds it interesting to engage in trade talks but can be achieved when there is absolute peace in the area.

“There is so much economic potential in the North, which, if revamped, will contribute to the development of the country’s economy.”

Earlier, the chairman of ACF, Ibrahim Dandakata, assured Adeniyi of the support for the forum, considering his notable commitment to enhancing border security and trade facilitation in the North.

Dandakata while eulogising the former Comptroller-General of Customs, Late Dikko Inde, for bringing numerous dividends to the region, expressed optimism that the current administration would exceed the performance of his predecessor.

“We raised an issue, and Mr Adeniyi quickly swung into action on the matter, and we had a great response.

“We are talking about fiscal policies and entrenchment of a regime that will create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive in Northern Nigeria, most especially in the agricultural sector. Therefore, what CGC Adeniyi is doing will be sustainable and far-reaching,” he asserted.

He appreciated the CGC for taking progressive steps in making things better in the North, highlighting that “Nigeria now has a very responsive government, and AEF is proud to have a very responsive CGC”.

Dandakata explained that the idea behind the visit was to bring new ideas that would help Adeniyi’s administration to succeed.

He added that the forum was looking forward to witnessing the enhancement of cross-border trade in Ilela, considering its potential to boost the region’s economy.