To fortify the amicable relationship between the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and border communities, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), convened an interactive session on Saturday, March 9, 2024 at Kongolom Border Station in Katsina State.
The session brought together traditional leaders, business figures, and community members of Mai’adua, a township situated 91 kilometers from Katsina town in Northern Nigeria.
At the Customs House in Kongolom, CGC Adeniyi articulated that the purpose of his visit was to heed the appeals of community leaders and to undertake requisite measures to address their concerns.
The discourse primarily focused on the challenges encountered by business operators in the vicinity due to border closures. The CGC lauded the prevailing atmosphere of peaceful coexistence, emphasizing its pivotal role in mitigating security risks in the area.
He asserted, “There is a profound correlation between security and economic development; without peace and security, commerce cannot flourish.”
Addressing recent seizures by Customs operatives in the area, the CGC stated that Presidential Directives mandated the return of seized food items to their owners, with the condition that they be sold within Nigerian markets.
He emphasized the crucial role played by community intelligence in ensuring adherence to regulations and enforcement measures, “By leveraging the knowledge and insights gathered from residents, authorities can effectively monitor and respond to potential violations, thus enhancing the overall effectiveness of enforcement efforts.”
Expressing satisfaction with the longstanding collaboration between the Service and the residents of Mai’adua, the CGC emphasized the need for continued synergy to achieve more significant milestones.
He lauded the steadfast backing provided by His Excellency, Governor Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina State, emphasizing the governor’s consistent and steadfast commitment to advancing the objectives and accomplishments of the Nigeria Customs Service.
“This unwavering support from the state government has been instrumental in facilitating the effective execution of Customs operations and initiatives within the region,” he said.
Governor Radda’s collaboration and partnership with the Nigeria Customs Service reflects a shared vision for promoting security, prosperity, and development in the state and beyond.” he said.
Representing the Katsina State Governor, Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Naziru Mua’azu Danmusa, extended gratitude to the CGC for his visit and lauded the Nigeria Customs Service for its efforts in safeguarding lives and property.
The engagement underscored the commitment of the Nigeria Customs Service to foster constructive dialogue and collaboration with border communities, ensuring mutual prosperity and security.
In the same vein, the Galadima of Daura, Engr Ahmad Diddiri Ahmad, and the District Head of Mai’adua commended the CGC for his visit, citing it as a testament to the productive partnership between the Service and Mai’adua’s residents.
Highlighting the exemplary conduct of Mai’adua’s residents, they advocated for the reopening of the Nigerian border with Niger to rejuvenate local businesses.
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This is a welcome development. But it requires a whole community and Whole Government approach.
Our boards can not be maned by Customs alone but if the community decide to say no it will be no to smuggling.
We have situation were community members are use as informats for the smugglers paving way for escape