Endorse Border Closure, Urged to Embrace Technology

Col. Hameed Ali (rtd) Comptroller General, Nigeria Customs Service

The All Farmers Association of Nigeria, AFAN, ha applauded the closure of Nigeria’s borders by the Federal Government and its enforcement and implementation by the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS.

Speaking at the 2019 Annual Agricultural Summit organized by the Nigeria Association of Agricultural Journalists NAAJ,  with the theme “Bridging The Investment Gap In Agriculture Through Information” AFAN said the closure of the borders is a positive development for Nigerian farmers as they are besieged by demands for poultry products by eateries across the country.

Chairman Lagos state chapter of AFAN and coordinator of the Western zone, Otunba Femi Oke, who was represented by Mr. Shakin Agbayewa, Deputy Chairman of the Lagos State Chapter of AFAN, described the border closure as a big boost to Nigerian farmers.

In his words “We have never had it so good! The borders must remain shut. We don’t want the borders to be opened. Nigerian farmers are in business big time supplying food to consumers across the country. If you know how high the demand for chicken is by eateries within the  Lagos metropolis alone, you will go into farming immediately. We thank the Customs for the good job they are doing and they should keep it up”.

With shouts of “No farmer, No Nation, No food no Nation” the farmers who attended the summit in their numbers reechoed the need to keep the borders under lock and key until Nigeria’s neighbours in the West African Sub Region learn to trade in honesty with strict adherence to the rules of international trade.

The Comptroller General of the NCS, Col Hameed Ali (rtd), who was represented by Deputy Comptroller of Customs, DC Dera Nnadi, DC Enforcement at the Tin Can Island Command of the Service, Customs reiterated that the Service is unwavering when it comes to enforcement/implementation of Federal Government policies.

Delivering a paper titled “The Role of Customs in National Food Security/Sufficiency” the Service said nations in pursuance of their primary goal of economic development, nations periodically put in place statutes, procedures, and guidelines to regulate her economic activities especially in the import, export and financial sectors with a view to ensuring the attainment of national security,  health, standard control, budgetary planning, trade facilitation, industrialization among other objectives. These regulations are designed to protect the economic chain from unforeseeable shocks that may arise from global considerations.

Amidst several interjections, questions and observations, the paper presenter, DC Dera Nnadi asked “If the population of Africa is 1.26 Billion people and West Africa is 391.9 Million people out of which Nigeria has over 200 million people and the population of Benin Republic, Ghana, Mali, Niger and the others combined is less than that of Nigeria is it safe to depend on those countries to feed our people?

The response from participants at the summit was an overwhelming Nooo!

The Lagos commissioner for Agriculture, Prince Gbolahan Lawal also commended the NCS. Represented by Mr. Olushina Shobanke, Prince Gbolahan disclosed that Lagos State is committed to ensuring food security for all citizens residing in the state. He appealed to Nigerians to key into the Agricultural revolution efforts of the federal government so that more jobs could be created.

Acting Director General of Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi (FIIRO), Dr Chima Igwe called for transformation of Agricultural sector in Nigeria.

He said the transformation of the sector is needed to serve as a dependable agent of Economic Recovery and Growth Plan, ERGP vision of the Federal Government.

“In the past few years, Nigeria and Nigerians experienced a sudden and significant drop in economic activities which led to the loss of the purchasing power of our currency, the Naira. Although Nigeria has been able to exit the recession, the strangling effects might still be seen lingering with the possibilities of a relapse if the nation does not diversify.

“Upgrading and improving the agro-allied production and production processes, mining and other relevant manufacturing sectors, upgrading and improving the existing traditional and local technologies, making new discoveries and innovations through research and products and services development in all sectors of the economy,”

“For national growth and development, national security, economic recovery/diversification, research, discoveries in the fields of science, engineering, technology and innovations must be at the forefront because it is the foundation of any successful industrial revolution and industrialization.” Dr. Chima said.

Director General of the National Agricultural Seeds Council of Nigeria, NASC, Dr. Philip Olusegun Ojo, represented by Mr. Adeseko Michael, regional Head of South West Zone of NASC, emphasized that Agriculture remains the backbone of the Nigerian economy.

He disclosed that the Council is working to ensure that Nigerian farmers get healthy, high quality seeds for cultivations to ensure higher yields.

The Chairman of Elephant Group, Mr. Tunji Owoeye informed participants at the NAAJ Agricultural Summit that the border closure has been opening doors of opportunities to Nigerian farmers.

Co-Founder of PS Nutraceutical, Mr. Samson Ogbole who was the Guest Lecturer dazzled farmers when he disclosed that science has made it possible to farm without soil. He also disclosed that those who have spare rooms could turn them to farms right inside their houses.

In his words “Nigeria does not need more farmers. What we need are better, smarter ways of farming, more efficient ways to preserve farm produce and more dependable, efficient/effective means of transportation.

He disclosed further that with Block Chain Technology and Seed Coding which they are working on in collaboration with FIIRO and the Seeds Council, any Rice, yam, tomatoes etc imported into the country could be traced easily.

For their contributions to the development of Agriculture in the country, the Comptroller General of Customs was recognized for his efforts.

First Bank of Nigeria Plc, the Chairman of Elephant Group, Mr. Tunji Owoeye, DG of the Seed Council, Ag DG of FIIRO were among those also recognized and honoured for their strides in Agriculture.