Why I Closed Borders, Appointed Women As Finance Ministers – Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has explained that he approved the closure of Nigeria borders with its neighbours in 2019 to prevent Nigerian rice smugglers and their collaborators in other countries including Niger from making Nigeria a dumping ground for smuggled rice.

“So, closing that border of 1,600km, more than. Nigerians insist that they have to impress their neighbours and other people that they eat foreign rice. I said no rice. Rather, you eat what you grow and grow what you eat or you die,” the president said yesterday in Abuja.

The President also said that the new Customs Act which he recently signed into law will enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of customs administration, stressing that it is a testament to his administration’s commitment to fostering a business –friendly environment, attracting investments and driving economic growth.

Speaking at the commissioning of the new Nigeria Customs Service headquarters building in Abuja, President Buhari also disclosed that deliberately appointed women to be ministers of finance in his 8 years in office to ward off disturbances from people looking for award of contracts and payment of contract sums.

The president said he knew very well that most men would not suppress their pride to go to a woman as minister of finance to look for contracts or get payment for jobs done because of ego and arrogance.

Mr. Buhari believes that most men would not find it easy to go to a woman as minister of finance to look for contracts or get payment for jobs done because of ego and pride. “I Deliberately appointed ladies so that it will give me a lot of peace.

“I made sure I gave the ministry of finance to a lady to exploit the cultural behaviour of all Nigerians: once ladies are in charge, people feel too big to go to ladies. So, I am sure peace will be allowed in the ministry of finance where people will go and lobby for their contracts to be paid and so on.

“So, they feel too big to go to ladies. So, I put a lady in charge. That gave me a lot of peace,” President Buhari said.

President Buhari said he had always recognised the critical role of Customs as an instrument of economic prosperity and overall development of the nation.

“We are all aware of the challenges faced by our Customs Service, particularly the issue of fragile borders that provide opportunities for illicit activities. The recent increase in transnational crimes, smuggling, and security threats necessitates the need for a robust and agile customs administration. I am fully cognizant of these challenges and the urgent need to address them.

“I am pleased to highlight that in line with our commitment to enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of our customs administration, I recently signed the Customs Bill into law. The new Act, which is a product of extensive consultations and deliberations, represents a significant step towards modernizing our customs operations, strengthening regulatory frameworks, and promoting trade facilitation. It is a testament to our commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment, attracting investments, and driving economic growth,”

The building sits on approximately 25,000 square metres of luxuriant, ample and comfortable working spaces, all spread over 13 (thirteen) floors made up of a basement, ground floor, 1st to 10th Floors and finally a penthouse. The Tower consists of the largest executive and upper cadre staff offices and sits on 12 floors including a penthouse. Also included in the Tower, is the Head Office; Main Auditorium with a seating capacity of about 150 – 200 persons. Each of the lower-level floors also has a meeting/conference room and a training hall for staff training and development.

The president who would be leaving office in a six-day time, told the gathering in Abuja that he tried to support Nigeria’s neighbouring countries of Niger, Chad and Cameroon to secure his safety and defence after leaving office.

“I try to plan to be as far away from Abuja as possible and thank goodness that I came from an area which is far away from Abuja. I think before anybody first move; I established a good relationship with my neighbours. Niger people will defend me,” the president stated.

The president also said he appointed Col. Hameed Ali (rtd) as Comptroller-General of Customs to effectively protect the borders and raise more revenues for the country.

“Please note that from Lake Chad to Benin is more than 1000km. Only God can effectively guard that border. So, you need a person who will have the energy and competence to effectively supervise it,” the president stated while giving reasons for appointing Ali as Customs boss.

On his part, Customs CG said when he was appointed with a tripod mandate to restructure and reform Customs and raising revenue, he was never in doubt that only a comfortable and congenial working environment will facilitate the achievement of the objective.

Col. Ali said the president’s vision, leadership and dedication to the development of Nigeria have been pivotal in shaping the transformation of the Customs Service. “Under your guidance, we have witnessed remarkable milestones that have revolutionized our operations and brought us closer to our goal of becoming a world-class customs administration,” he stated.

In her remarks, the minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed who doubles as the Chair of the Board of the organisation, the edifice stands as a symbol of the unwavering commitment to enhance the operations of the Nigeria Customs Service and its readiness to tackle the challenges of the 21st century. She added that the Board had ensured that the welfare of the service was taken seriously.

The comptroller general announced that the building was completed at the cost of N19.6 billion. He also thanked the President for his recent signing of the Nigeria Customs Bill into law.

According to Col. Ali, “the landmark legislation represents a significant achievement for the Nigeria Customs Service and the entire nation. It provides us with a comprehensive legal framework that aligns with international best practices, strengthens our regulatory capabilities, and fosters trade facilitation.”

He also commended President Buhari for his support towards the Customs Modernisation Project which aims to modernise all aspects of Nigeria Customs Service operations through the innovative use of technology.