Sultan tells FG to relax ban on importation of rice, vehicles

Saad Abubakar III, sultan of Sokoto, has urged the federal government to relax the ban on the importation of rice and vehicles through land borders.

The monarch said this on Thursday when Acting President Yemi Osinbajo paid him a courtesy visit at his palace in Sokoto.

He said Nigerians were passing through difficult times and policies should not be taken to further heighten the suffering of Nigerians.

“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,” he said.

”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.”

Abubakar who said the policies were “ill-timed”, assured the government “of our sustained total support, loyalty and commitment.”

On his part, Osinbajo pledged that the government would continue to pursue the development and agriculture and solid minerals to diversify the economy.

He also said government agencies would facilitate trade and commerce in the country.

“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,” Osinbajo said.

“Agencies of the federal government would continue to facilitate trade and commerce in the nation.”