Governing Nigeria, a tough job for anyone — Buhari

…Commends Tinubu, appreciates Customs DG

By Abiodun OBA

Former President Muhammadu Buhari has admitted that governing Nigeria is a tough job for anyone, and that there isn’t much anybody can do to help the country.

Buhari admitted when he received the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi and members of the management team of the Nigeria Customs Service in Daura, Katsina State.

The erstwhile President commended President Bola Tinubu, saying the president has done well despite the complexity of managing Nigeria.

Buhari noted that President Tinubu has performed well since getting into office, despite the economic hardship experienced by Nigerians across the country.

The former president asked Nigerians to endure the economic hardship in the country and support the policies and programmes of the current administration.

He said, “I thank you very much for coming. I very much appreciate it. I thought Tinubu has done very well.

“Nigeria is so complex. Really, there isn’t much anybody can do,” he added.

Recall that economic hardship has spiked in Nigeria since Buhari left office on May 29, 2023.

On the inauguration day, Tinubu declared that his administration would no longer pay subsidy for fuel, a decision which made the price of the Premium Motor Spirit rise from N185 to over N600.

Tinubu’s government’s financial reforms also saw the naira embark on a continuous free fall against the dollar after the Central Bank of Nigeria floated the currency to move towards market-determined rates.

This action has led to the instability of the naira against the dollar in the market, making it sell for between N1,400 and N1,900.

Against this background, Nigerians led by organised labour have protested across the country in recent weeks to revolt against the worsening prevailing circumstances that have sent more Nigerians below the poverty level.

Earlier in his remark, the CGC Adeniyi conveyed the purpose behind his recent expedition to the Maiadua Border in Kongolam, attributing it to President Bola Tinubu’s directive aimed at ameliorating the socio-economic challenges faced by Nigerians.

He said, “I will also use this occasion to brief you on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directives that all trucks of food carrying exports across the border that were seized by Customs be returned to the traders with the hope that they would plough them back into the Nigerian markets.”

According to him, the Service is responsible for ensuring that food security becomes an integral and essential element of national power.

Adeniyi said, “I would like to assure you that we may continue to work for the peace, progress, and security of Nigeria, those key ideals that you have worked for, in all your years, in your career in the military, and what you did as president and now as a statesman.”

The Customs CG also paid homage to the Emir of Daura, seeks his cooperation towards effective border management

The visit was in continuation of his strategic stakeholders engagement.

CGC Adeniyi thereafter, embarked on another significant visit to the illustrious Emir of Daura, Dr. Farouk Umar Farouk, at his palace in Daura, Katsina State.

This visit, marked by mutual respect and friendship, aimed to strengthen the longstanding partnership between the NCS and the esteemed Daura Emirate.

Reflecting on past interactions with the former Comptroller-General of Customs, Dikko Inde Abdullahi, Adeniyi reaffirmed his confidence in the collective efforts of the NCS and other security agencies to combat threats to national security, including the scourge of banditry and insurgency.

In response, Emir Farouk Umar Farouk extended warm appreciation to Adeniyi for the visit, pledging unwavering support to the NCS in its pursuit of excellence.

The Emir urged Adeniyi to remain resolute in his duties and to demonstrate zero tolerance for individuals undermining national security and economic stability.

Moreover, in a symbolic gesture underscoring the enduring bond between the NCS and the Daura Emirate, Emir Farouk Umar Farouk honored Adeniyi with the traditional title of ‘Mabuɗin Hausa’ and pledged to confer the title upon him in due course formally.

The Comptroller-General of Customs reiterated that the visit to these distinguished personalities serves as poignant reminders of the interconnectedness between governmental institutions and traditional authorities in fostering national cohesion, security, and progress.