After Dangote, Nigeria Govt Exempts BUA Cement, Owned By Another Northerner, From Border Closure

The Nigerian Government has granted special waiver to BUA Cement owned by another Northerner, Abdulsamad Rabiu, to resume exportation of its products to neighbouring countries through land borders.

The development is coming same day it came to public knowledge that the federal government had given  Dangote group, a foremost conglomerate, owned by another northerner, Alike Dangote, approval to move its products to neighbouring countries.

Michel Puchercos, Managing Director of Dangote Cement, had on Monday informed investors that the company had resumed cement export to Niger and Togo in a controlled measure following a waiver from the government.

But in a move that could further deepen the north and south division and reinforce the public notion of the northern led federal government attempt to impede economic growth of the south, the Nigeria government gave BUA Cement approval to trade with neighbouring countries.

In an internal memo signed by Dimka V.D, Custom Comptroller (Enforcement, Hqtrs) on behalf of Deputy Comptroller-General (E,I&I) and seen by SaharaReporters, the Nigerian Government approved the movement of BUA Cement trucks to Niger Republic.

“I am directed to forward herewith a letter from the Office of The National Security Adviser referenced NSA/227/C dates 17th June, 2020 on the above subject matter.

“The trucks will exit and return through Illela Border station in Sokoto State.

“Attached herewith is a list with names of drivers and truck license numbers and other relevant details for ease of reference.

“This is forwarded for information and strict compliance, please,” the memo addressed to Custom Zonal Coordinator in charge of Sokoto/Zamfara commands read.

Reacting to the development, Atedo Peterside, founder of Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc, said, “Allowing legitimate exporters and importers to move their goods across the border should be a no-brainer. Why refuse everybody else and allow only one company (Dangote)? This is why some of us argue that the Nigerian economy is rigged in favour of a handful of well-connected persons.”