The Nigeria Customs Service has taken decisive action to halt all transit cargoes heading to the Niger Republic through its land borders and seaports. This move comes in response to the recent political upheaval in Niger Republic, leading to sanctions imposed by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), News About Nigeria reports.
Following the ECOWAS directive, the Nigeria Customs Service commenced the enforcement of the border closure against the Niger Republic on Friday, with the immediate closure of crossings across the seven northern states, including Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, Jigawa, Yobe, and Borno.
Acting Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adeniyi, emphasized the importance of adhering to the directive, stating, “We need to be vigilant because those bent on destabilizing the country are still at work. This is a reminder that we can’t afford to rest on our oars as our level of alertness must be 100 percent.”
The closure aims to curb any attempts by smugglers to exploit alternate routes through other land borders, including the Idiroko border post. The Acting Customs CG urged officers to stop all transit cargoes destined for the Niger Republic through these routes, ensuring strict compliance with the ECOWAS sanctions.
Moreover, the recent removal of fuel subsidies prompted the Nigeria Customs Service to review its policies on the supply of fuel to filling stations located within 20 kilometers of the nation’s borders. In addition, the Service may consider further policy revisions based on the level of compliance observed in border communities.
He said, “There are a number of issues that our border communities have put across to us which goes beyond the mandate of the Customs service. We are working with the appropriate authorities of government and we will be requesting the review of such policies if the situation warrants it
“If there is compliance of extant law regarding import and export and if we see the support of the communities, we’ll make appropriate recommendations for the review of border closure and importation of tokunbo vehicles through the borders,” he said.
“So, one of the reasons why I’m here this morning is to reiterate the need for all our agencies to remain focused and committed towards the ideal of national and regional security. Idiroko is a very strategic gateway into Nigeria and of course, into the Benin Republic and by extension, the sub-region. So, we cannot afford to allow criminals who thrive in perpetrating crimes across our borders, do things that are inimical to our national security.
“So this is why I’m here this morning to remind ourselves of our collective mandate, collective mandates to keep away criminals operating around our borders, whether they come in the manner of smuggling, human trafficking, drug trafficking or things that will affect our public health. We have a collective responsibility to confront them and beat them to their game. For us in Customs, we believe that no one agency can do this alone, we need to work together, we need to collaborate together. The dynamics of crime has changed over the years and there is no single criminal that comes to our border and perpetrates only its crime.
“Smugglers don’t commit only smuggling so, what it means is that they engage in illegal smuggling of arms and ammunition. Most human traffickers, most of the time also take currencies away from the country. They are also guilty of money laundering, and illegal currencies trafficking across the border.”
During his visit to the Ogun 1 Command of the Service in Idiroko, Ogun State, the Customs boss sought the understanding and support of border communities in carrying out their duties effectively. As a demonstration of inclusivity, he promised to include graduates from these communities in subsequent recruitment drives for the Nigeria Customs Service.
The halt of transit cargoes to the Niger Republic is part of Nigeria’s commitment to enforcing the ECOWAS sanctions and maintaining the integrity of its borders in the face of political instability in the neighboring country.
