In line with decisions of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to sanction Niger Republic owing to the recent overthrow of the democratically elected government in the country, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has said that the Niger border has been closed.
NCS Comptroller General, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi confirmed the closure in a statement in Abuja.
He further said that the Illela Border Station was also closed based on presidential directive.
Adeniyi gave assurance of the service commitment to the implementation of the Presidential directive on border closure.
“Following the recent overthrow of a Democratically elected government in Niger Republic, which prompted the Nigerian Government to shut down the Nigeria-Niger borders, the Acting Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi has re-echoed President Tinubu’s cardinal reason for taking the measure, saying that the exercise was not meant to infuse hardship on Nigerians.”
According to the statement, the CGC, who was on a working visit to Illela Border Station on Friday morning to monitor and assess the implementation of the exercise, expressed delight with the level of compliance by residents.
He said the measure was a decision taken by ECOWAS, which the President Bola Tinubu chairs, adding: “We are optimistic that this effort will yield positive results, and I must tell you that President Tinubu is committed to restoring peace in this axis.”
He also said the exercise would secure Nigeria’s democracy and social stability, considering the current state of uncertainty in the neighbouring Niger Republic.
Responding to questions from newsmen as to whether the exercise will affect Customs’ mandate of generating revenue, the CGC said the Service is aware of the situation and has already taken proactive measures to address it strategically.
He reiterated that the administration of President Ahmad Bola Tinubu is committed to protecting the well-being of the citizens and their businesses, saying that “I have the optimism that borders will soon be opened and businesses of Nigerians will continue to thrive.”
