Katsina – A two-day workshop to remove trade barriers between Nigeria and Niger Republic has opened in Katsina State.
The workshop is being attended by representatives from ECOWAS, Nigeria, Niger Republic and governors of Katsina, Kano and Jigawa states.
Other participants of the workshop are Nigerian Immigration Service, Federal Road Safety Commission, Nigerian Army, officials of Miyyeti Allah Cattle Breeders Association and Northern Chambers of Commerce.
Gov. Aminu Masari of Katsina State declared the workshop open on Monday in Katsina.
He said it would provide a platform for the two countries, ECOWAS and World Bank agencies to fashion out strategies and ways of improving cross border trade.
“It is indeed a historic occasion when the authorities of the two countries come together to discuss barriers and challenges hampering the development of local, regional and international trade.
“The discussion will facilitate easy and free movement of goods, services and labor within the integration.
Masari, represented by state Commissioner for Commerce, Abubakar Yusuf, called on participants to provide a meaningful contribution for the success of the workshop objectives.
He expressd the commitment of his administration to support and encourage the development of agriculture, trade and transport, especially within corridor of Kano-Katsina-Maradi borders.
Earlier, the representative of Niger Republic, Mr. Haruna Akasale, said that the delegation was in Nigeria for the important meeting that would enhance smooth agricultural development and other trades between Nigeria and Niger Republics.
“We are here to discuss how to remove problems that have been hindering smooth trade between the two countries.
“We will use the two days to find solutions to the artificial barriers that hampers trading between two sister countries” he said.
Akasale who is the chairman of Tawah State Chamber of Commerce, commended the Kano, Katsina and Jigawa Governors for giving their maximum support for the business relationship between the two countries.
NAN reports that both counties have been meeting to solve some of the challenges faced by cross border traders of the two countries. (NAN)
