The Area Controller of Customs, Kebbi State Command, Mr Iheanacho Ernest Ojike, reopened the Kamba Border for international trade on Friday last week as directed by the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
According to a press statement signed and made available to newsmen on Sunday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Muhammad Tajuden Salisu, the reopening of the border was at the instant of the District Head of Kamba, Alhaji Mamuda Fana, stakeholders, and other sister security agencies.
Mr Okie stated that the border reopening was aimed at paving the way for legitimate trade that would positively impact nation-building, not as permission for the importation of prohibited items that would rub the economy and compromise national security.
The Controller, Ojike, emphasised that officers and men of the command are always ready to facilitate legitimate trade within the ambit of the law to simplify trade across the Kamba Border seamlessly as long as stakeholders import what is permitted by customs existing laws, make proper declarations, and pay appropriate duties to the Federal Government coffers.
He reiterated that food items such as grains are still prohibited for export out of the country, considering the scarcity of food in the country.
In his remarks, the District Head of Kamba, Alhaji Mamuda Fana, commended the effort of the federal government, emphasising that it is a new wave of hope for his people who have an interest in cross-border businesses and even small-scale business owners domiciled in Kamba town, and he promised to caution his people against illegitimate trade.
The Area Comptroller, in the course of reopening the border, also paid a courtesy visit to the Emir of Gwandu, Alhaji Muhammed Iliyasu Bashair, to seek his blessings and cooperation as the royal father of the state, and to ask other sister agencies to get their full cooperation and collaboration towards ensuring steady trade across the borders, curbing smuggling activities, and providing security to the host communities.
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