- Adeniyi made the statement during a working visit to the Illela Border Station to monitor and assess the border closure exercise’s implementation
- He expressed satisfaction with the level of compliance by the residents to the closure directive
The Nigerian Customs has clarified that the recent closure of Ilela Border in Sokoto was not intended to cause hardship for Nigerians.
The statement was made by Adewale Adeniyi, the acting Comptroller General of Customs, during a working visit to the Illela Border Station.
The closure was in response to the overthrow of a democratically elected government in the Niger Republic, and Adeniyi noted that the decision to close the border was in accordance with a directive from the Economic Community of West African Countries, with Nigeria’s President serving as the chairman.
He also commended the residents for their compliance with the closure exercise.
“We are optimistic that this effort will yield positive results, and I must tell you that President Tinubu is committed to restoring peace in this axis,” he said.
He added that the exercise would secure Nigeria’s democracy and social stability, considering the current state of uncertainty in the neighboring Niger Republic.
On if the exercise will affect the revenue generation of the service, Adeniyi said, “The service is aware of the situation and has already taken proactive measures to address it strategically.”
He reiterated that Tinubu’s administration is committed to protecting the well-being of the citizens and their businesses.
“I am optimistic that the borders will soon be opened and businesses of Nigerians will continue to thrive. President Tinubu, as a champion of the region, has a measure of responsibility to promote trade, and we are all aware that trade can’t be achieved where there’s no peace.
“However, considering what is happening in Niger, which affects the political stability of the sovereign nation, my mission here is to restate the directive of President Tinubu as the ECOWAS Chairman.”
Similarly, the Comptroller-General had also engaged traditional rulers and other stakeholders at the Illela border.
Chairman Association of Customs License Agents, Aminu Dan-Iya, who spoke on behalf of the stakeholders, consoled residents around the affected area and the entire stakeholders to understand the situation.
He said, “The decision was for our benefit, thus no need to panic.”
Meanwhile, the CGC also paid a courtesy visit to Sarkin Gobir of Gwadabawa, Alhaji Lawali Muhammad Zayyana, to seek his support towards achieving the mandates of the service.
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