Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago has advocated the need for the Nigeria Customs Service to give the State waiver on the importation of agricultural equipment.
The Governor made the call when he visited the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi at his Office in Abuja.
Governor Umaru Bago also harped on the need for the Nigeria Customs Service to allow Niger State to be an off-taker of agricultural machinery it will dispose considering its position as a leading agricultural producer in the Country.
He said, the visit was aimed at seeking collaboration with the Customs Service because of the International border with Benin Republic and that Niger State has also provided itself as a pilot State for agriculture revolution in line with the renewed hope agenda on food security of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Governor said Niger State will partner with the Customs Service also on how best to reduce the burden on agro production and consequently help one million farmers in the State to contribute to the Nation’s food security.
He used the medium to congratulate Adeniyi on his promotion and appointment as the Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service.
The Controller General, Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi in his response, appreciated the visit and identified with the agricultural revolution embarked upon by farmer Governor Umaru Bago, pledging to work closely with him.
The Controller General equally appealed for the support of Niger state in providing intelligence information to enable it plan enforcement activities, ensure security, trade compliance as well as prevent smuggling and illegal activities, especially between Babana Community in Borgu Local Government Area and Minna, the State capital.
He expressed optimism that the Federal Ministry of Finance will give waivers and concessions to Niger State, especially in the area of agricultural production.
The Governor was accompanied by the Secretary to the State Government, Abdullahi Usman, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Abdullahi Usman Gbatamangi, Commissioner for Finance, Lawal Adamu Maikano and the Chairman of Niger Foods, Sammy Adigun as well as other principal officers.
