By Abbas Bamalli
Traders from Magama, in Jibia Local Government Areas of Katsina State, have commended Gov. Dikko Radda for intervening in alleged extortion of traders by some officials of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).
Malam Sama’ila Mai-Masara, the Chairman of Jibia trader’s Union, expressed their commendation while speaking to newsmen in Katsina on Sunday.
According him, over the years, his members have been facing serious crisis with the NCS officials along the Katsina-Jibia road, a border community with Niger Republic.
He alleged that the NCS’ officials have made their local businesses collapsed, because of extortion or refusing them to bring food stuffs and other goods from Katsina town.
Mai-Masara said that, in spite their efforts to enlighten the customs that the goods were not for smuggling, but rather for use in their communities, such proves abortive.
According to him, “In most cases our members have to be forced to give certain amount of money before being allowed to pass, or they will be refused access with their or even seized.
“Some times our members have to change routes, to risky their lives through the Batsari road, which is another frontline area.
“I wish to inform you that many of our trailers and goods were destroyed by the bandits along the Batsari road, because of the situation.”
He disclosed that with the recent establishment of a task force by Gov. Radda, the situation has began to return to its normal self after many years.
According to Mai-Masara, many of their members have relocated to either Lagos or Onitcha, or other parts of the country.
But with the governor’s intervention on the issue, Mai-Masara said that over 20 of them have returned home to continue with their businesses for the development of the state.
“Therefore, the governor deserves commendation for his giant effort. We pray for his success,” the trader said.
On Saturday at Kongolam border, in Mai’adua local government area of the state, the NCS Comptroller General, Mr Adewale Adeniyi pledges better days for the traders.
He assured residents that NCS will focus on removing obstacles militating against free trade in line with the present administration’s agenda of fostering economic prosperity.
Adeniyi said that proactive measures had been employed to reduce the number of checkpoints along the border posts, and promote synergy between the Service personnel and traders.
“We are conscious of the concerns of the border communities, particularly with regards to the number of checkpoints and the closure of land borders,” he said.
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