ASHENEWS reports that the Niger State Governor, Umaru Bago, has urged the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to grant the state a waiver on the importation of agricultural equipment.
The governor stated this during a visit to the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, at the NCS headquarters in Abuja.
This move, he said will help the state to accelerate its agricultural transformation agenda.
Also, he enjoined the Customs Service to consider Niger State as a priority off-taker for agricultural machinery it plans to dispose of, given the state’s position as a leading agricultural producer in Nigeria.
The governor also stressed the need for collaboration with Customs given the state’s strategic location bordering the Benin Republic.
He reiterated that Niger State has positioned itself as a pilot for Nigeria’s agricultural revolution, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda on Food Security.
As part of this initiative, he noted that reducing the cost of agricultural production is crucial to empowering one million farmers in Niger State and strengthening national food security.
On his part, the Comptroller General commended Governor Bago’s efforts in revolutionizing agriculture and pledged to work closely with his administration.
He also emphasized the importance of Niger State’s support in providing intelligence to aid Customs operations in border enforcement, trade compliance, and anti-smuggling activities, particularly in Babana, Borgu Local Government Area, and Minna, the state capital.
Adeniyi expressed optimism that the Federal Ministry of Finance would approve waivers and concessions to support Niger State’s agricultural development.
