IDIROKO, Nigeria – The Federal Government of Nigeria has ordered the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, to halt all transit cargoes destined for Niger Republic from all land borders and seaports across the country, stepping up efforts to enforce sanctions issued by the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, following a coup in the landlocked nation.
Acting Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, issued the directive during a visit to the Ogun 1 Command of the NCS in Idiroko, Ogun State.
The move follows ECOWAS’s imposition of sanctions against Niger Republic, including a border closure, after the democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum’s ousting by the country’s presidential guards.
“We are monitoring what’s happening in Niger Republic and I can assure you that implementation of that directive given by the ECOWAS Heads of States is 100 percent,” Adeniyi said. “Smugglers will want to explore openings in other borders, and may want to use other routes. All transit goods heading for Niger Republic should be stopped.”
Adeniyi further emphasized the need for vigilance, cooperation with other government agencies, and adherence to the mission of national and regional security.
The Acting Comptroller General also addressed a myriad of issues affecting border communities, pledging to consider policy changes if the compliance level of these communities increases.
He revealed plans to recommend a review of the policy ban on supplying fuel to filling stations within 20 kilometers of the nation’s borders following the removal of fuel subsidy.
This, he clarified, would be contingent on the border communities’ adherence to existing laws regarding import and export.
In his address to the officers, Adeniyi stressed the importance of their role in ensuring national and regional security and urged them to redouble their efforts to prevent illicit activities that threaten public safety.
He acknowledged the evolving dynamics of crime, noting the interconnected nature of smuggling, human trafficking, and other criminal activities.
Adeniyi also sought the support of the border communities in performing their duties, advocating for a quarterly meeting between the Ogun border command and members of the Ipokia host communities to foster a positive working relationship.
Furthermore, the Customs chief pledged to consider graduates from the border communities in future NCS recruitment, signaling a new direction in strengthening local relationships and boosting the agency’s overall effectiveness.
