African Libration Week: JIgawa Govt makes case for free visa, common currency among African countries

By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse.

The Jigawa state government has reiterated the need for establishing common African currency and free visa among the countries for healthy business environment in the continent.

The permanent secretary ministry of commerce, trade and tourism, Alhaji Muhammad Bello gave the indication while declaring open a one day workshop and press briefing to mark the Africans Liberation week campaign on borderless Africa.

Alhaji Muhammad Bello explained that “The formations of common African and foreign policies among African countries would be one of the bedrocks for African developing economy and effective security”.

He also noted that “there is also the need for emphasis on free visa to all Africans and establishment of common African currency”.

The workshop was organized by a non governmental organization under the aegis of Save Nigeria Now in collaboration with Ministries, the Jigawa State Polytechnic, Immigration and the Army.

On its part the group (Save Nigeria Now) called for the removal of border obstacles for healthy business environment in Africa.

Speaking on behalf of the organization, the JIgawa state coordinator, Comrade Maryam Ibrahim explained that, the 2023 African Liberation week campaign is on borderless Africa organized by Save Nigeria now in collaboration with Jigawa State ministry of Commerce Supported by Africans Rising.

According to her, the campaign that comprised civil society organizations, Unions and other relevant stakeholders from Government and private institution have been mobilized by Africans Rising which brings about over 500 actions and events across the continent and in the diaspora.

“As such, as we celebrate our diversity and shared heritage let us remember that our strength is in our unity by fostering a Spirit of collaboration and breaking-down the barriers that divide us, we can create a brighter future for all Africans”, Maryam said.

She call on all relevant stakeholders to lend their voices to to call for Free movement of persons in Cognisance of the laws of Host member states, with provision of effective measures to prevent unwanted situations.

While making his presentation at the workshop, the director tourism Mahmud Isah Ringim also called for the formation of common African economic and foreign policy with emphasis on free visa for all Africans and establishment of common African currency.

Also presenting his paper, the spokesperson Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps CSC Abdullahi Adamu Shehu said for a healthy borderless Africa some crucial security roles must be put into consideration.

CSC Shehu identified some of the roles as collaboration/synergy and information sharing in border security management and providing actionable solution on security threats in Africa.

On its part, the Nigeria Immigration service Jigawa state command said, Africa has come of an age in terms of human and soci-economic development despite being classified as third world, but the arrangement in technology and global village and ready to move in term of advancement generation.