Customs Area Controller, Sokoto/Zamfara Command, Comptroller Kamal Mohammed, visited the Illela Border Station on Tuesday to ensure all was in place ahead of the last directive for the official re-opening of the border.
Responding to concerns by stakeholders, the CAC who was accompanied by his top-ranking officials stated, “with the lifting of ECOWAS sanctions on the Niger Republic and subsequent restoration of power supply to the Niger Republic, it is on this premise that I came to ensure all is set towards the re-opening of the Illela Border while we await the last order.”
Citing one the Comptroller-General’s policy thrusts, Compt. Mohammed urged collaboration between security services and stakeholders at the border station, particularly in the areas of exchanging intelligence and information and conducting joint operations to protect the country’s border, stating “with collaboration, each agency will be able to effectively and efficiently fulfil its assigned mandate.”
In addition, the Area Comptroller thanked the Customs Licensing Agents for their endurance throughout the seven-month border closure. “We know it has not been easy for you, but God willing, it will soon become history,” he noted.
Comptroller Kamal Mohammed further announced that the Service, as part of its cooperative social responsibility (CSR) has awarded a contract for the construction of a primary healthcare facility at the border station. This facility when completed, will serve the needs of both officers and the Illela community.
As part of his working visit to the border, Compt. Mohammed paid a homage to the Sarkin Gobir of Gwadabawa, urging the Royal Father to advise his ward against the threat that smuggling poses to the nation’s economy.
What you should know
- Following the then overthrow of President Mohammed Bazoum of Niger, President Tinubu and other leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) decided to close their countries’ borders with Niger.
- Tha Nigeria Customs Service enforced the directive of President Bola Tinubu to close Illela border which is Nigeria’s border with Niger Republic.
- The then Acting Comptroller-General of Customs, Mr. Adewale Adeniyi, visited the Illela border, on August 4, 2023 to ensure that President Tinubu’s directive was carried out to the letter.
