By Suleiman Anyalewechi
The Nigerian Customs Service on Thursday, March 21, 2024, reopened the strategic and all important Kamba Nigeria/Niger Republic Border post in Kebbi State,insisting however that the exportation of grains and other essential commodities through the route remains prohibited.
The newly appointed Comptroller of Kebbi Customs Command, Iheanacho Ernest Ojike said the decision to reopen the border post is in line with the directives of the Service Comptroller General Bashir Adewale ,adding that the resumption of business and other activities on the border post will engender a new beginning for economic growth and development in the country.
A statement issued by the Command’s Spokesperson, Mohammed Tajuddeen Salisu SPC ,however, warned that business activities capable of undermining the economic recovery efforts of the federal government and its national security interest will not be tolerated .
Comptroller Ojike noted that the primary reason for the reopening the border post is to facilitate legitimate economic activities that have the potentials to impact positively on the Nigerian economy, cautioning that the reopening does not call for the importation of prohibited items that can undermine the economy and compromise National security.
The Comptroller assured that the service is committed to the promotion of commercial activities through strict adherence to the extant laws and regulations of the Nigerian Customs Service.
He therefore solicited the cooperation and understanding of all relevant stakeholders ,by way of properly declaring and paying appropriate duties to the federal government.
The Traditional Ruler of Kamba District Alhaji Mamuda Fana , who led other locals to the reopening ceremony,appreciated the Federal Government for the decision to reopen the border post ,which he described as the life wire of the people of Kamba .
According to the District Head ,about %80 of the economic activities of the people depend on cross- border transactions,pledging to work closely with the Customs Service to ride the border of the activities of smugglers and other criminal elements.
