By Daniel Maduka
The Nigeria Customs has warned against the use of the Nigeria/ Niger border by Nigerians for any conceivable business transactions, whether legitimate and or illegal.
The Coordinator of Customs Joint Border Patrol Team North West Zone Comptroller Kola Oladdeji who dropped the warning at an interactive session with the Media in Kano on Thursday February 22 2024 ,said movements of goods along the Niger- Nigeria border now that it has been closed by Nigeria in difference to the resolution of the Economic Community Of West African States ECOWAS, amounts to not only an economic sabotage ,but a big national Security risk .
Oladeji spoke on the heels of the seizure by the men of the Joint Border Patrol of a 40 feet truck laden with suspected substandard Indonesia made soap while being smuggled in to the country from the Niger- Nigeria border .
“As you all know the entire border of Nigeria- Niger Republic is closed .So when we see anything on that route we pick it .You don’t have to pass through that border ,whether you are carrying contraband and or legitimate goods . For emphasis,movements of goods and services whether legitimate or illicit through the route is prohibited by virtue of ECOWAS subsisting directives.”Oladeji stated
Comptroller Oladeji, also, expressed displeasure over the aiding and abetting of Smuggling activities along most border posts by border communities ,noting that some unscrupulous elements have resorted to using motorcycles wheelbarrows, Camels and small trucks to ferry their illicit goods into the country from border communities using bush parts .
While appealing to Nigerians to shun illicit businesses such as smuggling , Oladeji called on traditional and religious leaders,and other stakeholders within the border communities to assist in the fight to eradicate all acts capable of undermining the economy of the country.
“We are urging those who engage in smuggling and other unpatriotic businesses to stop . They should engage themselves in legal businesses that will give them rest of mind ” he further cautioned.
