The newly appointed Customs Area Controller, (CAC) of Kebbi Command, Comptroller Iheanacho Ernest Ojike has reopened the Kamba Border. This directive came in line with the instructions of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, signaling a new era of trade facilitation and economic growth in the region.
The reopening of the border was announced in a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of the Kebbi Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, SPC Mohammed Tajuddeen Salisu, and made available to journalists in Birnin Kebbi.
According to the statement, the reopening ceremony was conducted in the presence of various stakeholders, including the district head of Kamba, Alhaji Mamuda Fana, and representatives from sister agencies. Comptroller Ojike underscored the strategic importance of the Kamba Border in revenue generation for Kebbi State and the nation as a whole.
Highlighting the objectives of the border reopening, Comptroller Ojike emphasized that it is aimed at promoting legitimate trade activities that will contribute positively to nation-building. He reiterated that the reopening does not grant permission for the importation of prohibited items that could undermine the economy and compromise national security.
Comptroller Ojike assured stakeholders that the officers and men of the Kebbi Command are committed to facilitating legitimate trade and ensuring compliance with Customs laws and regulations. He emphasized the importance of stakeholders adhering to proper declaration procedures and paying appropriate duties to the federal government.
However, the statement clarified that food grains are still prohibited from being exported out of the country due to the prevailing scarcity of food. This measure aims to safeguard the nation’s food security and prevent further depletion of essential food supplies.
In his remarks, the district head of Kamba, Alhaji Mamuda Fana, expressed gratitude to the federal government for the reopening of the border. He described it as a beacon of hope for the people of Kamba who rely on cross-border trade for their livelihoods. Alhaji Fana pledged to work closely with customs officials to ensure that trade activities at the border remain legitimate and in compliance with the law.
The reopening of the Kamba Border represents a significant step towards revitalizing international trade and economic activities in the region. It is expected to provide opportunities for businesses, both large and small-scale, to thrive and contribute to the socio-economic development of Kebbi State and Nigeria as a whole. With proper oversight and adherence to regulations, the border reopening is poised to usher in a new era of prosperity for the border communities and the nation at large.
