In compliance with the directive issued by President Bola Tinubu for the immediate reopening of the land border with the Niger Republic, the Controller of the Nigeria Customs Service, Kebbi State Command, Iheanacho Ojike, has reopened the Kamba land border.
News About Nigeria reports that the reopening of the border was announced by Ojike while addressing reporters on Sunday.
In a statement signed by the spokesman of the command, SP Mohammed Saliu, Ojike stressed the strategic importance of the Kamba border in revenue generation for Kebbi State.
According to the statement, the border reopening is to facilitate legitimate trade that would contribute positively to nation-building.
However, Ojike reiterated that the reopening does not permit the importation of prohibited items that could threaten the economy and compromise national security.
He assured that the customs officers are prepared to facilitate legitimate trade and ensure compliance with existing laws governing imports.
Ojike said that it is important for stakeholders to adhere to proper declaration procedures and pay appropriate duties to the federal government’s coffers.
Additionally, Ojike clarified that the exportation of food grains remains prohibited, considering the current scarcity of food in the country.
“Men of the command are ever ready to facilitate legitimate trade and act within the ambit of the law to simplify trade across the Kamba border seamlessly as long as stakeholders import what is permitted by customs extant laws, make proper declarations, and pay appropriate duties to the Federal Government coffers.
“Let me also make it known that food grains are still prohibited for exportation out of the country, considering the scarcity of food in the country,” Ojike said.
In response to the border reopening, Mallam Fana, the district community head, expressed appreciation for the efforts of the Federal Government.
He noted that the border reopening would bring a renewed sense of hope to the people engaged in cross-border businesses in the region.
