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In a renewed push to curb illicit trade and strengthen border security, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Katsina Area Command, and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Katsina State Council, have forged a strategic partnership to enlighten border communities on the dangers of smuggling activities.
The resolution was reached during a courtesy visit by the newly elected NUJ executives to the Katsina Customs House on Thursday, where both institutions pledged closer collaboration in public sensitization campaigns across the state.
Receiving the delegation, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Mohd Saidu, congratulated the new NUJ leadership and described the media as a vital ally in the fight against economic sabotage, insecurity, and illegal cross-border trade.
He warned that smuggling continues to pose grave threats to Nigeria’s economy by undermining government policies, discouraging legitimate business activities, and exposing citizens to unsafe and illegal goods.
“Curbing smuggling activities requires collective efforts. The Katsina Command is ready to liaise with the NUJ for sensitization on the dangers of smuggling activities,” the Comptroller stated.
Saidu stressed that tackling smuggling cannot be left to security agencies alone, insisting that traditional rulers, community leaders, the media, and residents of border communities must unite to confront the menace.
Speaking earlier, Chairman of the NUJ Katsina Council, Comrade Aminu Dandagoro, said the visit was aimed at deepening the long-standing relationship between journalists and the Customs Service.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the new NUJ leadership to responsible journalism and public enlightenment campaigns capable of promoting peace, security, and national development.
“The media has a major role to play in educating the public on the social and economic consequences of smuggling,” Dandagoro noted.
Also speaking, the Patron of the NUJ and Kanwan Katsina District Head of Ketare, Comptroller UK Bello (Rtd), praised the Nigeria Customs Service for its relentless anti-smuggling operations and urged journalists to deploy their platforms toward sustained awareness campaigns, especially in vulnerable border communities.
The meeting featured extensive discussions on strengthening collaboration between both institutions to improve information dissemination, public sensitization, and national security awareness across Katsina State.
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