With absolute compliance with President Bola Tinubu’s directives, the Nigeria Customs Service has proceeded to seal off the Nigerian border with Niger Republic.
Mr. Adewale Adeniyi, the Acting Comptroller-General (C-G) of Customs, conducted an inspection at the Ilela border today (Friday) to ensure the absolute and strict execution of President Tinubu’s directive.
In his explanation, he clarified the primary reason for implementing the measure and reassured that it was not designed to cause hardship for the Nigerian populace.
In the wake of the recent political tension in Niger, President Tinubu and leaders from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) resolved to shutting down their countries’ borders with Niger.
As part of his working visit to the Illela Border Station today, the CGC closely monitored and evaluated the exercise’s progress, expressing his delight at the residents’ commendable level of compliance.
He mentioned that the measure was a decision by ECOWAS, which the Nigerian President presided over, adding, ‘we are optimistic that this effort will yield positive results, and I must tell you that President Tinubu is committed to restoring peace in this axis.’
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Moreoso, he stated that the exercise played a significant role in ensuring Nigeria’s democracy and social stability, especially amidst the prevailing uncertainty in the neighbouring Niger Republic.
Addressing concerns from the media about the exercise’s potential implications on Customs’ revenue generation mandate, the CGC stated that the Service was fully aware of the situation and had already put in place strategic measures to tackle any challenges.
He hammered on the Tinubu-led administration’s commitment to protecting the well-being of the citizens and their businesses, saying that ‘I have the optimism that borders will soon be opened and businesses of Nigerians will continue to thrive.’
He said, ‘President Tinubu, as a champion of the region, has measure responsibility to promote trade, and we are all aware that trade can’t be achieved where there’s no peace. However, considering what’s happening in Niger, which affects the political stability of the sovereign nation, my mission here is to restate the directive of President Tinubu as the ECOWAS Chairman.’
At the Illela border, the Comptroller-General actively interacted with traditional rulers and various stakeholders to gain valuable insights and perspectives.
Speaking on behalf of the stakeholders, Alhaji Aminu Dan-Iya, the Chairman of the Association of Customs License Agents in the town, appealed to both residents around the affected area and all stakeholders to endure the situation fully. He stressed that the decision was made for their benefit, and there was no reason to be worried.
As part of his other engagements, the CGC paid a courtesy visit to Sarkin Gobir of Gwadabawa, Alhaji Lawali Zayyana, with the aim of seeking his support towards accomplishing the service’s objectives.
Addressing the Emir, the CGC told him that ‘today, with our delegation, we are embarking on a journey to Illela Border Station to inspect and monitor the level of compliance of President Tinubu’s order of closing borders and to also interact with the members of the border community.’
Extending gratitude to the traditional ruler for his unwavering support to the Service, the CGC also lauded his dedication in fostering harmonious relationships between the community and the Service’s operatives.