Seeks Collaboration with Sister Agencies
By ZAINAB JUNAID
The newly appointed Customs Area Controller (CAC), Kebbi Command, Comptroller Iheanacho Ernest Ojike has reopened Kamba Border linking Nigeria and Niger Republic for international trade.
This is in line with the directives of Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi that all Area Controllers stationed at Border Command along Nigeria – Niger Republic borders should ensure strict compliance with the Federal Government directives that Nigeria borders with Niger Republic be reopened for international trade.
Speaking with the district head of Kamba Alh. Mamuda Fana, stakeholders and other sister agencies on Friday 15, March 2024, the CAC noted that Kamba is a strategic border with major share in Kebbi Revenue generation.
To him, the border reopening was aimed at paving way for legitimate trade that would impact positively on Nation building, not a permission for importation of prohibited items that would ransack the economy and compromise national security.
In a statement signed by SC Muhammed Tajudeen Salisu for the Area Controller, Ojike emphasised that officers and men of the Command are always ready to facilitate legitimate trade and act within the ambit of the law to simplify trade across Kamba Border seamlessly as long as stakeholders import what is permitted by Customs extant laws, make proper declaration and pay appropriate duties to the Federal Government coffers.
He further stressed that food grains are still prohibited for exportation out of the country, considering the scarcity of food in the country.
In response, Mallam Dana expressed appreciation on the directives of the federal government for border reopening, emphasized that the development will bring a new wave of hope for his people who have interest in cross-border businesses, as small scale business owners domiciled in Kamba town. He also pledged to caution his people against illegitimate trade.
The CAC also paid a courtesy visit to the Emir of Gwandu, Major General Muhammed Bashir Iliyasu (Rtd) to seek his blessings and cooperation as the royal father of the state, visited other sister agencies to gain their mutual cooperation and collaboration towards ensuring steady trade across borders, curb smuggling activities and provide security to the host communities.
