NAN-H-62
Inauguration
By Kate Obande-Okewu
Abuja, Oct, 9, 2017 (NAN) Mrs Khadija Bukar, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, has tasked the newly inaugurated Kano-Katsina-Maradi Trans-Border Monitoring Committee on commitment to strengthen relations between Nigeria and Niger Republic.
Bukar, who made the call at the inauguration of the committee in Abuja on Monday, said the committee members were selected based on their integrity and competence.
She said that the Kano-Katsina-Maradi corridor was established to create an enabling environment to boost trade, investment and food security between Nigeria and Niger Republic.
Bukar said the committee’s terms of reference were to draw up monitoring programme of the Local Technical Unit (LTU).
The others terms included monitoring of LTU and to periodically evaluate reports forwarded by LTU and make changes where necessary that would guide policy framework.
“This inauguration marks a turning point in our efforts to boost economic activities between both countries which was why the corridor was created.
“I congratulate you on your appointment as pioneer members of the monitoring committee; you were selected on account of your proven integrity and competence.
“It is expected that you use your experience and skills to add value and strengthen cooperation between Nigeria and Niger.
“You owe it to our country the duty to execute your task diligently and in accordance with the terms of reference.’’
According to her, the Kano-Katsina-Maradi corridor recorded some achievements since its establishment such as reduced check points on the road and access to foodstuffs across both markets.
In his remarks, Amb. Rabiu Kawu, Secretary-General Nigeria-Niger Joint Commission (NNJC) assured the committee of his willingness to work with them for the success of their joint venture.
He noted that since 2014, the governments of both countries established the Kano-Katsina-Maradi corridor aimed at promoting trade exchanges and food security in the zone.
“The Kano-Katsina-Maradi corridor, K2M, is aimed at promoting trade exchanges and food security in the zone.
“A well articulated action plan has been prepared to this effect and its implementation is ongoing.
“This developmental approach is aimed at creating ideal conditions for boosting the economies of our two countries notably through enhancement of border trade in agro-pastoral products and improving knowledge on typology.’’
He noted that the committee was expected to examine agendas such as the sharing of information and projects operating on the corridor.
Kawu added that the committee would also prepare an action plan for effective monitoring and a budget for running the committee.
In his response, Dr Muhammad Ahmad, Chairman of the committee and Director General National Boundaries Commission, said that the committee would use the terms of reference as guide.
Ahmad said that they have been associated with the programme for some time now and the inauguration was the peak of activities that would lead to the success of the initiative.
He declared his commitment to work with the LTU in Kano-Katsina and the central working committee of the K2M as it is being supervised by the NNJC.
The representatives from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Investment, Agriculture, Budget and National Planning, Transport, Interior, Finance, Nigeria Customs Service and Nigeria Immigration Service are also part of the committee. (NAN)
KTE/OFN/IS
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Edited by Felix Nwadioha/Ismail Abdulaziz