Customs officially reopens Kamba border linking Niger Republic from Kebbi
The Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), on Monday, officially reopened Kamba border linking the country to Niger Republic from Kebbi State.
The Federal Government, through a circular by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Friday, reopened the Idiroko border post in Ogun; Jibiya norder post in Katsina State; Kamba border post in Kebbi; and Ikom border post in Cross River.
The government closed major borders as part of efforts to curtail smuggling and boost local production of rice and other products.
While officially declaring the border opened in Kamba, the Area Controller of the Customs in the state, Mr Joseph Attah, expressed optimism that the border would open a new chapter for a bolstered mutual economic ties between the two country.
“The reopening of the border is not an invitation to illegal trade, rather to among other things, boost economic mutual benefit between the two international actors of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
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” The border is reopened for trade, and to improve our economy but you should note that the ban on importation of rice, poultry and other banned products still subsists and will be implemented by the border patrol team,” he said.
The Comptroller urged members of the public to support the command with useful information on activities of smugglers in the state.
Earlier, the Commissioner of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Co-operations,Alhaji Garba Ibrahim, assured that the government would provide all the necessary support in order to ensure the development of the economy in the country.
He said the reopening of the border was the right step in the right direction as it would give the opportunity to youth and women particularly Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) that were affected by the closure of the borders.
“The official reopening of the nation’s borders would impact positively on Small and Medium Enterprises as they would now be able to buy and export their goods across ECOWAS member communities.
“In addition, more revenue would be generated for the country through appropriate payment of duties as West Africa countries bring their goods into the country,” Ibrahim said.
Also speaking, the District Head of Kamba, Alhaji Mamuda Fana, commended the federal government for the reopening of the border.
“Our people, especially youths had been badly affected by the closure of the border, though we are not unmindful of the good intention of the government in its efforts to secure our country.
“The reopening will certainly allow for a free flow of goods, merchants will move their goods out, and other goods can come in, and we hope people, especially the youth will recuperate from their business loses,” he said.
