As part of preparations for the reopening of the Nigerian border with the Niger Republic, the Customs Area Controller, Sokoto/Zamfara Command, Comptroller Kamal Mohammed, on Tuesday, paid a working visit to Illela Border Station to ensure all is set in anticipation of the reopening order.
During the visit, the comptroller, who was accompanied by his management team, said, “With the lift of ECOWAS sanctions on Niger Republic, and subsequent restoration of power supply to Niger Republic, it is on this premise I came to ensure all is set towards the reopening of the Illela border while we await the last order”.
The Federal Government had shut its borders with the Niger Republic following the takeover of government in the West African country by the military.
The border closure followed the decision of ECOWAS to impose sanctions on the country, with a view to forcing the military junta to step down from power.
The adamant junta, however, rebuffed the sanction and held onto power to date.
Furthermore, the Niger military junta formed an alliance with its counterpart in Burkina Faso and Mali and announced their pullout from ECOWAS.
Following the intervention of Nigeria’s ex-military head of state, Gen Yakubu Gowon, ECOWAS on 24 February announced the lifting of sanctions on Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger Republic.
Speaking during the inspection of the Sokoto border, the Customs comptroller advised stakeholders and security agencies at the border station on the need for cooperation, especially in the area of intelligence and information sharing.
“With collaboration, each agency will be able to effectively and efficiently fulfill its assigned mandate”, he said.
He appreciated the Customs Licence Agents for their patience during the seven-month border closure.
“We know it has not been easy for you, but God willing it will soon become history”, Mohammed said.
He also thanked the Illela community for their hospitality.
He announced the plan by Customs to build a primary health care centre at the border station as a form of Cooperate Social Responsibility in appreciation of the community’s hospitality to Customs personnel.
The comptroller also paid homage to the Sarkin Gobir of Gwadabawa, Muhammad Zayyanu, calling on the traditional ruler to advise his subjects against smuggling.
