The Sokoto/Zamfara Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Services (NCS) has said it is on high alert awaiting last order for the formal opening of Illela/Niger Republic border.
Making this assertion Tuesday when the Customs Area Comptroller, CAC Kamal Muhammed went on a working visit to the Illela border station, he clarified that, all is set in anticipation of the final order.Accompanied by his management team, the CAC further assured stakeholders and the entire border community that they are optimistic that in no distance time the borders will be reopened.This according to Kamal followed the recent lift of ECOWAS sanctions on Niger Republic, and subsequent restoration of power supply to Niger Republic by Nigeria.“”It is on this premise, I came to ensure all is set towards the re-opening of the Illela Border. We await the last order”In his charge to stakeholders and security agencies at the border station, the CAC appealed to them to embrace mutually beneficial cooperation especially in the areas of intelligence gathering, information sharing and joint operation towards safeguarding the nation’s borders.“”With collaboration each agency will be able to effectively and efficiently fulfill its assigned mandate”, the Comptroller was quoted as saying in a statement by the spokesman of the Area Command, Mr Abubakar Tsafe.While appreciating the Customs License Agents for their patience during the border closure periods, Comptroller’ Kamal disclosed that, the pain will soon become history.He also disclosed that they have awarded the construction of a Primary Health Care at the border station for the people of Illela border community as part of the Customs Cooperate Social Responsibility (CSR).The Comptroller also stressed that the project was in furtherance of their demonstration of gratitude to the border community for their continued hospitality.The Comptroller also appeals to traditional and religious leaders from the border community to educate their subjects on not only the dangers of smuggling but how it is of great economic disadvantage to the country as well.