Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has begun implementation of presidential directive on closure of the Nigeria-Niger border, following the recent overthrow of a democratically elected government in Niger Republic.
Acting Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, re-echoed President Bola Tinubu’s reason for taking the action, noting that the measure was not meant to bring hardship on Nigerians, reports The Guardian.
The CGC, who was on a working visit to Illela Border Station to monitor implementation of the exercise, expressed delight with the level of compliance by residents.
He said the restriction was a decision taken by ECOWAS, which the Nigerian President chairs, adding that the government is optimistic that the effort will yield results and restore peace.
He also said the exercise would secure Nigeria’s democracy and social stability, given the current state of uncertainty in neighbouring Niger Republic.
On whether the exercise will affect customs’ revenue generation, the CGC said the Service was aware of the situation and had already taken proactive steps to address it strategically.
He reiterated that the Tinubu administration is committed to protecting the well-being of citizens, and their businesses, expressing optimism that borders would soon be opened for businesses to thrive.
The Comptroller General also engaged traditional rulers and other stakeholders at the Illela border. Aminu Dan-Iya, chairman, Association of Customs Licensed Agents, who spoke on behalf of stakeholders, consoled residents regarding the restriction, saying the decision would benefit all.
This came as Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) solicited more collaboration from sister security agencies and border communities to ensure compliance with the exercise.
Acting Comptroller General, Mrs. Caroline Adepoju, made the call while addressing personnel at the Illela border, yesterday. Adepoju also underscored the need for intelligence gathering to forestall any security issue.
She said: “Here, the bandits have challenged us by attacking our men and even killing some of them. Security is the business of everyone. We are going to work; we need the support of our sister agencies and the people who live in border communities.
“Migration is important, even to economic growth, but we don’t want bad people that have a negative impact on our security. So, we are going to fight them and stop them from coming to our country.”
