Giant strides : Arewa Economic Forum Declares Support For CGC Adeniyi

Giant strides :
Arewa Economic Forum Declares Support For CGC Adeniyi

…As Customs Boss promises to rejuvenate Northern inland dry ports

The hard work and resilience of Customs Boss, CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, in implementing policies geared toward rejuvenating the nation’s economy have been commended by economic experts across Nigeria, including Arewa Economic Forum (AEF).

The Chairman of Arewa Economic Forum, Ibrahim Shehu Dandakata, openly acknowledged the giant strides made by the CGC within a short period in office.  He made the commendation yesterday, Tuesday, September 26, 2023, after a meeting with CGC Adeniyi at Customs Headquarters in Abuja.

He stressed that the Comptroller-General of Customs has solid support for the Forum, considering his notable commitment to enhancing border security and trade facilitation in the Northern region.

Dandakata emphasised: “his commitment to implementing policies that will improve the region is one hundred percent absolute.”

The Chairman, who eulogised the former Comptroller-General of Customs, Late Dikko Inde, for bringing numerous dividends to the region, expressed optimism that the current administration under the leadership of CGC Adeniyi will exceed what the previous CGCs had done.

His words : “We raised an issue; and Mr Adeniyi quickly swung into action on the matter, 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.”

During the meeting, the Chairman appreciated CGC Adeniyi for taking progressive steps to make things better in the North, highlighting that; “Nigeria now has a very responsive government and AEF is proud to have a very responsive CGC.”

According to him, the idea behind visiting the CGC was to bring new ideas that will help his administration to succeed, adding that the Forum is looking forward to witnessing the enhancement of cross-border trade in Ilela, considering its capacity in boosting the region’s economy.

He, however, appealed to the CGC to look at the conditions of Inland Dry Ports in the North, which, according to him, “are essential in carrying out businesses in the region – and as it stands, they are not functioning.”

The Chairman also used the opportunity to invite CGC Adeniyi for an Economic Summit slated to take place before the end of the year, assuring that the summit will revolve around creating awareness for people to invest in the North.

Responding, the Customs Boss said his administration is up and doing to enhance trade in the North, considering its importance in boosting Nigeria’s economy and prosperity.

The CGC, who spoke about the current situation in Niger Republic and how it affects trade in Nigeria, also said; “considering the significance of trade in Northern Nigeria, the Nigeria Customs Service finds it interesting to engage in trade talks, which can be achieved when there’s absolute peace in the area.”

He assured AEF of Customs’ commitment to look at the matter of Inland Ports and consult the Federal Government to fast-track the process, adding that “Customs is willing to support the project.”

As regards the Forum’s forthcoming Summit, the CGC said that NCS will watch out for the Economic Summit to attend, adding that “there is so much economic potential in the North, which, if revamped, will contribute to the development of the country’s economy.”