The Nigeria Customs Service in Ogun State has denied the claim that the Idiroko land border has been reopened, News About Nigeria reports.
The Controller of the state command, Bamidele Makinde, addressed the issue in response to a viral video showing Customs officers apparently opening the border.
Makinde clarified that the Idi-Iroko border, along with three others, was indeed reopened in 2022 by the previous Muhammadu Buhari-led administration.
Since then, it has remained open for legitimate trade, but unauthorized routes are still subject to interception.
During a media briefing in Abeokuta, Makinde explained that the viral video circulating on social media was from April of the previous year when the border was initially reopened.
At that time, four borders were opened, but currently, only Idi-Iroko remains open, while the others remain closed.
Makinde emphasized that as public servants, they follow the directives from Abuja and implement the policies accordingly.
While Idi-Iroko operates 24/7, there have been no instructions to reopen the other borders.
In the meantime, the Ogun 1 Area Command has confiscated a significant amount of smuggled goods between April and May.
Among the seizures were 6,924 bags of foreign parboiled rice, equivalent to 11 trailer loads, as well as gallons of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), used tires, Cannabis Sativa, and other prohibited items.
The command also reported a notable increase in revenue generation, as it generated N34,174,105 during the period under review.
This amount represents a significant rise of approximately 69% compared to the corresponding period in 2022, which saw a revenue of N10,615,618.
