Niger Coup: Customs Boss Seeks Cooperation of Katsina Border Communities
The Acting Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, on Friday, 4th August 2023, arrived at Muhammadu Buhari Government House in Katsina State on a courtesy visit to Governor Dikko Umaru Radda.
Addressing the governor, who was represented by his deputy, Farouk Lawal, CGC said they were in Katsina for a working visit to Jibia following the recent presidential order to close all borders linking Nigeria to the Niger Republic.
Recall that the decision to shut down the borders was taken by President Ahmad Bola Tinubu, who is also the Chairman of the Economic West African State, ECOWAS.
The CGC told the governor that the president’s decision was not implemented to witch-hunt the businesses of Nigerians, stressing that the obstruction is a temporal measure.
He also informed the governor that the exercise does not affect the Jibia border alone, “it is a shared decision that affects many borders within the ECOWAS.” He added.
He emphasized that while implementing the closure of Jibia border, the service will also devote energy to sensitize members of the communities on the reason behind the decision.
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Responding, the Katsina State Deputy Governor, Farouk Lawal, who represented Governor Dikko Umaru Radda at the meeting, welcomed the Ag. CGC and assured him of his unflinching support.
“I want to congratulate you on your appointment, and I wish you a successful tenure.” Mr Farouk said.
Similarly, the CGC was at the Customs Katsina-Jibia Outstation to examine the level of compliance with the order and to also interact with the residents of the border area and stakeholders.
Addressing the officers at the Outstation, the CGC implored the Officers to sensitize the community about the rationale behind shutting the borders down.
“The President takes this matter seriously, and he aims to protect the democracy and peaceful coexistence in this country; therefore, the current happenings in Niger prompted President Tinubu to take this action. So, in view of that, we are here to evaluate the level of compliance of the directive, as well as to assess the activities of the officers and men of the Service in the axis.”
He emphasized that Nigerians can’t have meaningful economic development in an atmosphere of uncertainty.
Some stakeholders who spoke during the meeting told CGC they would respect and abide by the directive, “CGC Sir, despite the little changes that this decision brings, we want to assure you that we will comply with it and support you throughout your tenure.”
