Customs boss takes anti- smuggling fight to Gwandu Emirate in Kebbi
The Controller of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), In- charge of Kebbi Area Command, Comptroller, Joseph Attah, has called for the support of traditional rulers in the state against the activities of smugglers.
Attah made the call during a courtesy visit ton the Emir of Gwandu, Alhaji Muhammad Bashir in his palace in Birnin Kebbi on Tuesday.
He said,” I am here in the palace of Abdullahin Gwandu for a courtesy visit, and to seek fatherly advice from Emir of Gwandu and words of encouragement in our anti-smuggling engagement and fight against the smugglers who are hellbent on crippling the country’s’ economy and deprive it of its rightful revenue.
“As you know, the customs are always trying to curb the menace of smuggling activities and support the country’s diversification drive for our children and grandchildren to have means of livelihood and prosperous future,”
Attah lamented that one of the major challenges the customs faced in the state was the ignorance on the site of people engaged in the smuggling activities.
“The smugglers have taken smuggling activities as a means of livelihood and business, when when we talk to them they would easily deny the truth and refuse to listen.
“It has come to our knowledge that the traditional rulers are respected and listened to by their subjects as they have belonged to a revered institution closed to people,” he explained.
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Attah noted that the Nigeria Customs Service as a federal government agency needed the support of all necessary stakeholders and the traditional rulers to curb the menace of smugglers.
He urged the traditional rulers to educate and enlighten their subjects, particularly, the youths, on the need to see customs officers as friends who are working for the economic development of the nation.
In his response, the emir, urged the people of the state to support the service in its efforts to promote their health and uplift the economic status of the country.
“I urge our people to give you all the necessary support you need as you have come here to support us, and it is obligatory and incumbent upon us to support you as good and patriotic Nigerians,” he said.
