The Customs Area Controller, Nigeria Customs Service, Sokoto-Zamfara Area Command, Kamal Mohammed, has assured of the command’s readiness for the reopening of the Nigeria-Niger border at Illela, Sokoto State.
He made the observation while on a working visit to the border post, saying he was at the station to ensure that all was set in anticipation of the last order.
The comptroller stated that with the lifting of sanctions placed on Niger Republic by the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, and subsequent restoration of power supply to the country, he had come to ensurethe border was ready for reopenig.
“I came to ensure all is set towards the reopening of the Illela border while they await the last order,” he said.
He enjoined the stakeholders and security agencies at the border station to embrace cooperation, particularly in the area of intelligence and information sharing and joint operations towards safeguarding the nation’s border.
He stated that with collaboration, each agency would be able to effectively and efficiently fulfil its assigned mandate.
He appreciated the Customs Licence Agents for their patience during the seven-month border closure.
He noted, “We know it has not been easy for you, but God willing, it will soon become history.”
He thanked the Illela Community for their hospitality, stressing that as part of corporate social responsibility, the service has awarded the construction of a primary healthcare facility at the border station and when completed, it will cater to both officers and the Illela community.
Comptroller Mohammed paid homage to the Sarkin Gobir of Gwadabawa, Muhammad Zayyanu, appealing to the traditional ruler to advise his subjects against smuggling.