The newly appointed Customs Area Controller, Kebbi Area Command of Nigeria Customs Service, Comptroller Iheanacho Ernest Ojike, has announced the reopening of the international between Nigeria and Niger Republic in Kamba, Kebbi State in compliance with the orders of the Federal Government.
Last Wednesday, the Federal Government ordered the reopening of Nigeria’s land and air borders with the neighbouring country.
The borders were shut in August 2023 as part of sanctions against Niger Republic by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) following a military coup that toppled the country’s democratic government.
Despite the sanctions, the Niger junta held their ground, refusing to restore constitutional democracy in the country. The junta went ahead to form a new regional body with Mali and GuInea, which are also being led by the military.
Speaking shortly after reopening the land border in the presence of the district head of Kamba, Mamuda Fana, stakeholders and other government agencies, the CAC said the town is a strategic border with major share in Kebbi revenue generation.
Ojike stated that the border reopening was aimed at paving the way for legitimate trade that would impact positively on the nation.
He said officers and men of the command were ready to facilitate legitimate trade and act within the ambit of the law to simplify trade across the border.