Border Closure Records Success As FGN Extends Date Till January 31, 2020
President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the extension of Nigerian land borders till January 2020.
This was disclosed in a memo released by the Comptroller (Enforcement) of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS); Mr. Victor Dimka, dated November 1, 2019.
The memo noted that the information was disclosed through a circular.
Equally important, the circular disclosed that an extension of the policy was stated to last till the approved date.
The circular, which was issued to the sector coordinators, joint border operations drill directed the officers to comply with the new date.
The president affirmed that the ongoing closure of borders has recorded an “overwhelming success.”
However, he said there were some objectives yet to be achieved, leading to the extension.
“I am directed to inform you that it is observed that despite the overwhelming success of the operation; particularly the security and economic benefits to the nation, a few strategic objectives are yet to be achieved.
“Against this background, Mr. President has approved the extension of the exercise to January 31, 2020.
“Consequently, you are requested to convey the development to all personnel for their awareness and guidance.
“Meanwhile, allowance for personnel sustenance and fuelling of vehicles for the period of extension will be paid as soon as possible.
“This is for your information and necessary action, please.”
It would be recalled that the president had on Friday, November 1 urged Nigerians to ensure the uplift of the economy by patronising locally-made goods and services.
He made the appeal in a message to the ongoing Lagos International Trade Fair organized by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI).
“I want to use this opportunity to reiterate my call for Nigerians to patronise Made-in-Nigeria products and services.
“We must accept our new reality of promoting locally-made products; as it is evident that this is where our New Nigeria will be realised.
“That is why I have constantly emphasised that we must be a Nation where we grow what we eat and consume what we produce.
“This has wonderfully led to a massive nationwide agricultural re-awakening; which without a doubt remains our most viable option for economic diversification as a government and nation,” said the president, who was represented by the minister of state for industry, trade and investment, Ms. Mariam Katagum.
He reiterated the government’s efforts to diversify the economy through the private sector as evidenced in various schemes such as the export expansion grant initiative.
He said the task to transform Nigeria into an industrial giant would not be achieved without the needed collaboration with the private sector to ensure an inclusive and sustainable path toward growth, job economic development.
(News Gazette)
