By Umar Faruk Birnin Kebbl
The Director-General of Kebbi Investment Promotion Agency (KIPA), Dr. Muhammad Kabir Kamba, has initiated a meeting with relevant stakeholders to address the challenges facing importers and exporters in the state. The meeting, which took place in Birnin Kebbi on Monday, was attended by representatives from the Nigerian Shippers' Council, Kebbi State Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and the Association of Customs Licenses Clearing Agents.
According to Dr. Kamba, the meeting was aimed at finding solutions to the problems faced by importers and exporters in the state, particularly with regards to the high cost of doing business. "Our target is to open up Kebbi and ensure that our importers and exporters feel comfortable exporting and importing," he explained. "The cost of doing business here is high, and one of the reasons is the numerous checkpoints that collect unofficial money, leading to higher prices of goods."
Hajiya Dr. Karimatu Othman, a Director of the Nigerian Shippers' Council, emphasized the need to address the issue of checkpoints on the roads. "We have advised them on how to go about exporting formally, rather than informally," she said. "The Shippers' Council will discuss with relevant federal government agencies to address the issue of checkpoints on the roads."
Alhaji Muhammad Na-Hali Kamba, Chairman of the Association of Customs Licenses Clearing Agents, expressed concern over the numerous checkpoints on the roads, which he said was a major problem affecting importers. "We are appealing to the federal government to consider opening the Tsamiya border and other borders, so that our business can continue, and the federal and state governments can boost their revenue," he said.
The meeting was a step towards addressing the challenges faced by importers and exporters in Kebbi State, and finding solutions to the problems that have been hindering the growth of businesses in the state.
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Business