By Nneka Nwogwugwu
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has highlighted benefits the ban on importation of rice has brought to the Nigerian economy.
The Acting Controller of the Katsina Command, Alhaji Dalha Wada-Chedi, disclosed this on Monday during a Customs’ Community Consultative Forum in Katsina.
Wada-Chedi said that the ban on the importation of rice into the country is encouraging local production and establishment of more local rice mills, especially in the north.
He said closure of the borders by President Muhammad Buhari had in many ways assisted in boosting the general agricultural sector in the country.
Wada-Chedi added that, “Before the closure of the borders, there were few rice mills in the country, especially in the north, but in Kano alone, we now have over 200.
“No fewer than 200 rice processing industries came into existence in Kano State alone, following the closure of the borders. This is a great achievement.
“And this rice is being processed locally here at home, it is more hygienic and healthier than those imported from other countries.”
He explained that the consultative meeting was aimed at strengthening the relationship between the NSC and the public, especially the border communities.
“This initiative was to discuss issues concerning our relationship with the public to bridge the communication gap between us and the people of border communities.
“We have done such across the border communities and now we are holding the meeting at a state level. Katsina has the highest borders in Nigeria.
“Such a forum will pave the way for discussion on the frequent misunderstanding between us and the public, due to lack of knowledge on the role of customs by the people,” he said.
The controller called on the leaders of the border communities to avoid attacking their operatives to avoid unlikely confrontations.
In his response, Gov. Aminu Masari, represented by his Special Adviser, Security, Alhaji Ibrahim Katsina, commended the initiative by the service.
Masari further advised the NCS to also introduce community relations meetings as the easiest way of resolving their differences.
NAN