Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Saad Abubakar III, on Thursday urged the Federal Government to relax its ban on importation of rice and vehicles through land borders.
The Sultan made the call when the Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, paid him a courtesy visit at his palace in Sokoto.
He said, “We will continue to serve as the voices of the voiceless and in this direction, we are calling on the federal government to look into some recent policies that will further tighten the noose on the necks of Nigerians.
“Nigerians are already going through difficult times and policies should not be taken to further aggravate the suffering of Nigerians.
“This will also avoid disharmony between the government and the governed.”
The Sultan pointed at the ban on the importation of rice and vehicles through land borders, saying “the policies should be relaxed.”
He stressed that some of the policies were “still ill-timed”.
He pledged to provide sustained support, prayers and wise counsel to the government, adding, “we will always work for the peace, unity, stability and the even socioeconomic development of Nigeria.
“We are also assuring the government of our sustained total support, loyalty and commitment”.
We will work towards the spiritual and temporal development of Nigerians.
Earlier, Acting President underscored the importance of Sokoto state in the affairs of Nigeria and pledged that the government would continue to pursue the development and agriculture and solid minerals to diversify the economy.
“The development of agriculture and agro-allied value chains are key in this direction.
“Sokoto state is in the forefront of agricultural revolution to bring back Nigeria on the path of sustainable development.
“Agencies of the federal government would continue to facilitate trade and commerce in the nation.”
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