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Tag: borders

  • Borders will soon open for commercial activities – Rep Whingah

    Borders will soon open for commercial activities – Rep Whingah

    Sesi Whingah, the lawmaker representing Badagry Constituency in the House of Representatives,  has assured his constituents that Nigeria borders will soon be opened for commercial activities.

    Whingah gave the assurance during a Badagry Stakeholders and Youth Engagement organised by his office on Saturday.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the engagement had the theme: “Charting A Prosperous Future for Badagry: Unlocking Potential, Empowering People, and Accelerating Progress”.

    According to the lawmaker,  the government is trying to see how they can mop up revenue internally.

     “This is a policy that we believe needs to be done and will lead to good.

     “The current administration will soon open borders for commercial activities; I know it is affecting us and our incomes. I know what my constituents are going through,” he said.

    On the issue of electrification of some parts of Badagry communities, he assured that staff of Rural Electrification would come in and attend to that in next few days.

    Read Also; Lagos orders investigation into A’Ibom CP’s death at LASUTH

    On roadblocks, Whingah said that no development would come to Badagry because of multiple checkpoints along the Lagos Badagry expressway.

    “I have spoken against multiple checkpoints on the floor of the House.

    “I doubt if we can achieve any development if we have people stopping and discouraging tourists and investors from coming to this corridor

    “You cannot go through the stress of these multiple checkpoints as a tourist and you would want to come back to this place.

    “The security agencies need to start looking at using technology to address this. A single drone can secure and monitor this axis,” he said.

    On his achievements in office, he said he had secured employment for 30 youths in Badagry in Federal agencies.

    “Again, we are trying to bring in 40 pensionable jobs for our deserving youths of Badagry.

    “Furthermore, our NIN registration centre in Badagry has registered more than 70,000 individuals in Badagry as of today.

    “This is a critical step in ensuring that our people are accounted for in the national database and can access full benefits of citizenship,” he said.

    Whingah said that he had engaged with his colleague in Lagos House of Assembly to meet Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to help in fixing Mowo-Ikoga road.

    “I can assure you that contractors will begin work on the road in the few weeks to come. Though it is a Federal road, Lagos state has agreed to help us to fix it.

    “Also, on the uncompleted Gbaji-Owode-Apa expressway, the Federal Government is considering re-awarding it, this time, concrete road.

    “This will be captured in the new budget of 2025,” he said.

    In his keynote address, Prof, Henry Hunjo, a Lecturer at the Lagos State University (LASU), highlighted the achievements of Whingah, emphasising their positive impact on Badagry.

    He addressed the region’s pressing challenges, adding that there was need to develop Badagry beyond the present status quo.

    “We must begin to address challenges such as environmental issues and infrastructural deficits, including electricity,” he said.

    NAN reports that there was a panel of professionals who deliberated the way forward for the coastal town of Badagry.

    Mr Setonji Koshoedo , the Deputy National Secretary of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), proposed a collective approach to problem-solving, which he termed a “Solution Revolution.”

     “Let’s come together with our individual contributory solutions to solve our community problems,” he said.

    Mr Gbenu Mathew, a Political Commentator, canvassed for the need to unlock Badagry’s dormant potential through collaboration among political leaders.

    “There are potentials, but they remain untapped; this can be done through the collaboration of our political leaders.”

    Dr Busola Odedina, the sole female panelist, called for greater inclusion of women in leadership roles within the community.

    She stressed the importance of gender equity in driving Badagry’s progress.

    Mr Bisiriyu Fanu, a former Chairman of Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANCLA), Seme border, said government policy of fairly used vehicles had affected majority of the residents.

    He urged the government to reintroduce the importation of fairly used vehicles through land border since the borders had been opened, adding that some of his members had died because of the policy.

    NAN reports that the lawmaker, awarded cash prizes, laptops, and other gifts to select individuals in recognition of outstanding contributions to Badagry.

    NAN also reports that Whingah, announcing an ICT programme for 1,000 youths, tagged “Badagry Tech Talents 1,000 Programme” where youths will be trained, empowered and connected.

    (NAN) www.nannews.ng

  • Niger land, air borders re-open after 8 months

    Niger land, air borders re-open after 8 months

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday directed the immediate re-opening of Nigeria’s land and air borders with Niger Republic.

    He also ordered the lifting of sanctions imposed on the country.

    Regional allies in August last year, announced a series of sanctions following the July 26, 2023 coup in which President Mohamed Bazoum was ousted by the presidential guard headed by General Omar Tchiani.

    The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the West African Monetary and Economic Union imposed some of the most stringent sanctions on Niger, including the freezing of bank assets.

    Nigeria cut power supply to the country on the 80-megawatt Birnin-Kebbi line.

    A statement by Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, said President Tinubu directed the immediate lifting of the sanctions.

    The President’s directives complied with the resolution of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government during its last extraordinary meeting in Abuja.

    The statement reads: “President Bola Tinubu has directed the opening of Nigeria’s land and air borders with the Republic of Niger and the lifting of other sanctions against the country with immediate effect.

    “This directive is in compliance with the decisions of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government at its extraordinary summit on February 24 in Abuja.

    “ECOWAS leaders had agreed to lift economic sanctions against the Republic of Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea.

    “The President has directed that the following sanctions imposed on the Republic of Niger be lifted immediately:

    “Closure of land and air borders between Nigeria and Niger Republic, as well as ECOWAS no-fly zone on all commercial flights to and from Niger Republic.

    “Suspension of all commercial and financial transactions between Nigeria and Niger, as well as freeze of all service transactions, including utility services and electricity to the Niger Republic.

    “Freeze of assets of the Republic of Niger in ECOWAS Central Banks and freeze of assets of the Republic of Niger, state enterprises, and parastatals in commercial banks.

    “Suspension of Niger from all financial assistance and transactions with all financial institutions, particularly EBID and BOAD.

    “Travel bans on government officials and their family members.”

    President Tinubu also approved the lifting of financial and economic sanctions against the Republic of Guinea.

    ECOWAS sanctioned Guinea’s military rulers and their families in the days following the September 2021 coup.

    Interim President Mamady Dumbouya had proposed a three-year transition schedule, which ECOWAS rejected.

    A former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, on February 21, called for the lifting of sanctions on Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger Republic.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Tinubu directs immediate opening of borders with Niger

    He pleaded with the countries to withdraw their notice to leave ECOWAS and urged the regional body to lift sanctions imposed on the three countries.

    In a letter to the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, Gowon called for a dialogue.

    The letter reads in part: “As one of the founders of our regional economic community, it is incumbent upon me to speak on behalf of the 14 Heads of State and Government who joined me in Lagos, on 27th May 1975, to establish ECOWAS…

    “It saddens me to learn that ECOWAS is threatened with disunity following the announcement by Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, three important member states, of their intention to leave the Community.

    “The impact of such a decision will have far-reaching implications for the ordinary citizens who have been the major beneficiaries of regional integration.

    “Therefore, on behalf of all the founding fathers of the Community and myself, I urge the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, including the leaders of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, to put aside their differences and reunite for the peace, stability and prosperity of our sub-region.

    “I call on all West African leaders to immediately consider the implementation of the following: lifting of all sanctions that have been imposed on Burkina Faso, Guinea, Mali and Niger.”

  • 2019 polls: Customs tightens security at borders against smuggling of firearms

    •10, 498 officers sit for promotion examination

    THE Nigeria Customs Services said yesterday it has tightened security across Nigeria borders to tackle the proliferation and smuggling of firearms, ahead of next year’s general elections.

    Its Comptroller – General, Hameed Ali, said the service has also put the seaports under surveillance since most firearms and ammunitions are smuggled into the country through the areas.

    He spoke with reporters during the conduct of promotion exercise for Customs Service personnel at the Computer-Based Test Centre of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) in Abuja.

    Ali said: “Most of the arms and ammunition coming into the country come through the seaports. Those ones that we discovered coming through the border stations, we have already tightened security. Although, there are some areas in the North, which are porous.

    “We are doing the best we can and we work on information because intelligence information helps a lot. Anywhere we discover that illegal arms are about to enter the country, we go there and get it locked down.”

    Ali, who was represented by ACG Olapolu Fatade of Customs’ Human Resource Department, explained that 10, 498 officers took part in the promotion examination for different ranks across the country.

    He added that the agency chose to conduct the exercise in JAMB CBT centres because of its credibility and timely release of results.

    JAMB’s Head of Media, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, explained the board’s readiness to continuously give the public the desired impact to enhance institutions through conducting transparent and credible examinations at its CBT centres nationwide.

    Read also: Customs confiscates N572m goods, arrests 11

    He explained that organisations and agencies chose to conduct their exercises at JAMB because of the trust and confidence they had for the board to deliver.

    “Before each examination, we charge the candidates to conduct themselves in the best way because once you breach the examination’s code of conduct, you will be immediately sent out of the hall.

    “We are very firm, determined and irrespective of whoever is involved, our benchmark is that you must behave accordingly as expected of you,” Benjamin said.

    He added that the board would soon begin registration for 2019/2020 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination in December as scheduled.

    According to Benjamin, no specific date has been fixed for the beginning of the registration yet.

     

  • NAFDAC returns to seaports, borders

    THE National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has returned to the seaports and borders.

    This is to effectively control importation of unregulated products, falsified and substandard drugs, unwholesome foods, narcotic drugs and hazardous chemical substances and foods.

    According to its director-general, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, the move was in collaboration with relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and with the active support of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) and Ministry of Transport .

    Prof. Adeyeye said NAFDAC received the notice yesterday,  in a letter dated March 29, 2018, from the office of Vice President, as part of the PEBEC reforms.

    Prof.  Adeyeye said thousands of Nigerians have died as a result of falsified and substandard medicines.

    She said: “Many are currently ill, most likely due to unwholesome foods, drugs and abuse of narcotics and controlled substances, such as codeine, tramadol, pentazocine, etc. These are partly due to exclusion of NAFDAC from our ports since 2011. The recent documentary on codeine abuse brought more attention to the issue.”

    The NAFDAC boss added that aside from the dangers posed to public health, involvement of Nigerian youths in abuse of drugs weakens national growth, economy and nation-building as a result of accompanied side effects of abuse, i.e., disruption of life goals, ideals and families.

    “Moreover, the threat to national security, due to criminality and terrorism that often result from such abuse is obvious,” she said.

    The agency hailed the Office of the NSA, the Chemical Society of Nigeria, the Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Group of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (PMGMAN), the Association of Food, Beverage and Tobacco Employers (AFBTE), Association of Pharmaceutical Importers of Nigeria (APIN) and other key stakeholders for recognising NAFDAC as a key player in the national security architecture as well as restoring the presence of its officials at designated ports of entry and land borders.

    “Our agency will work with the Nigerian Customs Service, the Shippers Council and other sister agencies in ensuring that foods, drugs, chemicals and other NAFDAC regulated products that pose danger to our population are controlled at the point of entry. NAFDAC at the ports will ensure that dangerous drugs or substances of abuse, many times falsely shipped as building materials, electrical appliances, computer accessories, etc. will be intercepted at the point of entry,” said Prof. Adeyeye.

     

     

    She said, in addition, the presence of NAFDAC at the ports and borders will reduce significantly the evasion of payments of statutory fees for importation of regulated products, thus increasing the agency’s internally generated revenue and that of the Federal Government.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Peace Mission to Taraba-Benue borders

    For Governor Darius Dickson Ishaku, there is no sacrifice that is too much to make for Taraba State to enjoy enduring peace. He has consistently made such sacrifices at the risk of his personal comfort and safety since he became governor of the state. He again demonstrated that spirit of commitment during a 12-hour extensive and stressful tour of areas of potential border disputes between the Jukun of Taraba State and the Tiv people of Benue State on Tuesday September 5. His Benue State counterpart, Dr. Samuel Orton joined him on the trip which brought out thousands of people in the border communities cheering in excitement on the peace initiative. They were also accompanied by deputy governors from both states, Engineer Haruna Manu (Taraba) and Engineer Benson Abounu (Benue)

    At every stop during the tour, the governors delivered a message of peace to all the communities. They told the citizens on both sides of the divide of the need to live together in peace. Ishaku was emphatic on the point that border demarcation is only an exercise done usually for administrative convenience and not intended to split and promote hostilities among people living on either side of it. He told them he and his colleague from Benue share a common attitude on the border issue which is that the Tiv people who happen to be living on the Taraba side of the communities should regard themselves as Taraba indigenes while the Jukun living on the Benue side should also see themselves as belonging to that state. Both governors, Ishaku told a cheering crowd at every of the stops, would ensure that such persons are not denied any benefits or subjected to any form of inhuman treatment in their state of residence.

    The tour ended at Ugba, headquarters of Logo Local Government Council Area in Benue. There, a formal meeting was held and was attended by senior officials of the governments of both states and representatives of the communities in the border areas. It ended with a communiqué which announced the setting up of a committee jointly headed by the deputy governors from both states to further examine the issues involved in the disputes and to liaise with the National Boundary Commission in order to achieve a permanent solution. The governors through the communiqué advised citizens in the disputed border areas not to do anything that will further aggravate poverty in the area through loss of their valuable properties including farm produce which is the main revenue earner for most people in the two states.

    In Taraba State, peace is a cardinal agenda of the Ishaku administration. That decision is a product of experience and the reality of that time when Ishaku became governor. The administration inherited what Governor Ishaku has often described as a “state in pieces.” He came into the office of Governor of Taraba State at a time when ethno-religious and communal crises were rife and people who had lived together in the past as good neighbours were estranged and became sworn enemies. This was compounded by herdsmen attacks on farms and farmers, all of which resulted to the deaths of many people and in the destruction of properties. This informed the coinage and the popularisation of his peace mantra – “Give me peace and I will give you development.” It was an appeal to the conscience of the people in in the areas of perpetual conflicts in various parts of the state to stop the hostilities and to embrace peace so that government will be in a position to deploy its energies and resources fully to the promotion of development projects.

    The state is today relatively at peace. Farmers are back on their farms and food production is at its peak. Rice production is the greatest gainer in this respect. Rice production has quadrupled. Educational institutions which were forced to shut down due to the crises of those days resumed normal curricular activities. This and the other reforms carried out by the Ishaku administration in the sector have greatly enhanced the state’s performances in the West African Examination Certificate, WAEC. For the first time in the 26-year history of the state, Taraba recorded 67.3 percent in the examination. That was in 2016. This year, the state also came out shinning brilliantly as the eighth best performing state in the examination in the whole country. The result is the best attained by any state in the entire former Northern Nigeria this year. It is for this reason and more that Governor Ishaku would never want anything that would undermine peace that is currently being enjoyed in the state. It was also for this reason that he was out with his Benue State colleague for long hours on Tuesday September 5 on a mission to nip potential communal crises in the bud.

    The trip to the border communities in the two states was very productive. Apart from the setting up of the committee headed by the deputy governors, it succeeded in sensitizing the people on the need for peace at the borders. The people enthusiastically trooped out to see the most prominent political personalities from Taraba and Benue visiting together and to hear the message of peace that they brought. It is so far the highest ranking peace delegation to the borders and the people had no choice but to listen to their very loud and weighty voices that came asking them to give peace a chance.

    In the days and weeks ahead, there will be more concrete actions on the border issue. The committee of deputy governors from the two states are already warming up for action and soon, the issues involved will be resolved. It is unlikely, however, that the decisions of the committee and the Boundary Adjustment Commission will go the way that all parties in the disputes would wish for. This is not possible. What is possible is the determination on the part of the people to make sacrifices for peace to prevail. Peace must be allowed to prevail for the people, their children and their great grandchildren to have a home today and in the future. Peace is the weapon the people require on both sides of the border to fight and overcome poverty that is common to them. It is also what they need to be united against their common enemies who constantly invade their communities to kill them and maim and to destroy their farms and rape their women. They have heard more than enough from their governors. It is now for them to apply wisdom by doing only those things that will promote peace and stability in their various communities.

  • Rethink ban of cars import through land borders

    SIR: I have read patiently and read with rapt attention the reason being put forward by the promoters and supporters of the recent ban of cars import through the land borders. However, up till this hour, I am not convinced of the reasons given to justify that awkward policy.

    Government all over the world utilises the principles of market segmentation in their dealings with the citizens, so that the policies would be tailored-made to suit the various strata of the citizenry. Why on earth would a sensible government come up with a one-size-fit-all policy when the environment in which the policy is expected to be implemented is segmented?

    How would a car dealer that can afford to import only one unit of car through the Maigatari border in Jigawa State be made to ship the car through Lagos Port covering thousands of kilometres when his market is in Jigawa/Kano axis? What about the risk involved?

    What happened to those small scale traders who go about their businesses in the Kamba, Illela, MaiAdua, Mubi and other border communities which relied mostly on those car importers and their workers for survival? Is the government saying they should all pack up their businesses?

    What this policy is saying in a simple term is that, an agency of government that is saddled with the responsibilities of collecting import duties have failed in the discharge of its responsibilities. And coming up with this policy is not the panacea to the problem; rather, it would compound the problem since thousands of people would certainly lose their jobs.

    Can’t government utilize information technology to tackle the problem of smuggling? What happened to the inter-agency collaboration that is being put in place? What about the capacity building for the Customs personnel? These are some of the things that need to be done, instead of subjecting the poor masses to avoidable hardship.

    I am happy that the National Assembly has intervened by asking the executive arm to suspend that policy. That is a good development, because President Muhammadu Buhari, Hamid Ali, Kemi Adeosun cannot claim to know better or feel the pulse of the people than the over 400 parliamentarians who were drawn from their various field of human endeavour.

     

    • Mohammed Auta,

    Jalingo, Taraba State.

  • Why Nigeria’s borders are porous, by Customs boss

    Why Nigeria’s borders are porous, by Customs boss

    Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Col Hameed Ali (retd) yesterday said the nation’s boarders were porous because of their interconnectivity with adjoining nations.
    He added that there was no line demarcating Nigeria from its neighbours.
    According to him, those living within the nation’s border speak the same language as Nigerians.
    This situation, said the Customs boss, made it difficult to claim that a particular border was well secured in Nigeria.
    Ali, who spoke with reporters in Abuja, after the opening of the first meeting of the technical committee on security project, said the situation constituted some challenges that the project will address.
    His words: “As regards to porous borders, they are across the nation. Everywhere is porous and you can’t say this is a border that is well secured. Ours is porous because we have borders that are virtually interconnected.
    “Our brothers and kinsmen live across the borders. If you take Benin Republic for instance, some of us speak the same language, we live within the same border.
    “These are parts of the problems and for us this is a security problem. We must address this. We must be able to find a solution to it and that is the idea behind this project.”
    On the project, the CG noted that the meeting will develop a framework for the director-generals to consider.
    He said experts were expected to develop a roadmap and a concept on security.
    A representative of the Global Initiative against Transnational Organised Crime, Mark Shaw, said the meeting was important because of changes in the global environment.
    He said the meeting was necessary to address challenges facing the globe.

  • Herdsmen attacks: Solidarity from across borders

    Herdsmen attacks: Solidarity from across borders

    The lawmaker representing Afikpo Northeast constituency in Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Hon Maria Nwachi has visited two hospitals in Enugu State to donate relief materials to victims of the recent herdsmen attacks in Uzo Uwani.

    The lawmaker who raised money for the visit through her facebook group page, described the attacks as abominable.

    Hon Nwachi and some members of the group first visited a hospital in Nsukka where they met one victim while the rest have been transferred to the orthopaedic hospital in Enugu.

    The group after donating to the patient, proceeded to Orthopaedic Hospital where they also donated items and cash to the victims.

    During the visit, The Nation learnt that attacks by Fulani herdsmen have been going on in Enugu State long before the recent massacre in Uzo Uwani community.

    It was learnt that many isolated cases had been recorded in the state though the attacks were on a few people at a time.

    More surprising is the fact that some of the attacks took place in the day time as against previous attacks which occurred at night.

    One of the victims, Nwobodo Onyeka, who narrated his ordeal, said he was attacked by three herdsmen at Amoji Nike on April 9 two weeks before the Uzo Uwani attacks.

    He said he had gone to the area to survey a land he wanted to buy when the herdsmen attacked them accusing them of killing their cows.

    He said, “We took a car and got to a particular place and took a cab. My younger sister, her friend, the agent who is also a female and myself after surveying the land, were now coming out when the three of the herdsmen came out from the bush with guns.

    ”One of them shot at us and the bullet hit my hand, the bullet went out and entered into the other woman’s belly. Some particles also hit my sister’s friend in her eyes.

    Then they started saying, “Sebi na una dey kill our cows abi, we go kill una today for this land”, meaning you are the people killing our cows, we will kill you today on this land”.

    Reacting, the lawmaker wondered why non-governmental organisations and humanitarian agencies have abandoned the victims.

    She said; “The mayhem, the wanton killing, the gratuitous violence, visited on a people in their land is unheard of, abominable and calamitous”.

    “If this were the civilized world, you would see so many charity organizations falling on top of each other to help the victims, financially and otherwise, but here nothing, you are on your own”.

    “I appeal to government, NGO, humanitarian agencies and individuals to please not abandon victims of this herdsmen mayhem to fend for themselves”.

    “Please, visit them in hospitals and take care of their hospital bills, they cannot be put through this for no fault of their own and then be saddled with how to pay their hospital bills or to get themselves out of the hospital”.

    “Some of the victims, the ones that were conscious, were so happy despite their pain, they felt, people cared. The unconscious ones just looked on, as we consoled them and dropped off their goodies”.

  • UN urges countries to open borders to refugees

    UN urges countries to open borders to refugees

    The United Nations Secretary-General, Mr Ban Ki Moon, has advised European countries against increasing borders in Balkan and Austria to migrants and refugees moving toward Europe.

    Ban said in statement issued by his spokesman, Stephane Dujarric, that it was imperative for all European countries to keep their frontiers open to the migrants and refugees.

    “UN secretary-general has voiced concern about increasing border restrictions in the Balkans and Austria for migrants and refugees streaming toward Europe

    “All countries should keep their borders open, and act in a spirit of responsibility sharing and solidarity, including through expanding legal pathways to access asylum,’’ it said.

    According to the statement, Turkey is currently hosting more than 2.6 million refugees and asylum seekers.

    It also said that seven European states have restored border controls within the Schengen passport-free zone, while others had said that they would unilaterally tighten border controls.

    The statement said that the restrictions were not in line with the UN 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees.

    It said that there were also currently restrictions of refugees in Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia and Macedonia.

  • Customs promise Niger Republic easy cargo transit across borders

    Customs promise Niger Republic easy cargo transit across borders

    The Comptroller General of Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), Mr Abdullahi Dikko, has promised the Republic of Niger easy transit of cargoes to facilitate trade between Nigeria and Niger.

    Dikko, represented by Mr Kohn Atte, the Deputy Comptroller-General (Finance Administration and Technical Services),  made the promise when a delegation of the Nigerian Shippers Council and Nigeria-Niger Joint Commission paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja yesterday.

    He said the main responsibility of Customs was to facilitate trade and ensure that goods moved easily across borders.

    Dikko said most challenges faced by Niger in terms of delay of movement of cargo and issues at the various border posts would be resolved.

    ” The customs have tried to see that we ease off the system so that goods can move faster. With the help of Shippers Council the system has been decentralised and capacity built.

    “We have officers that are well trained to lead cargoes to the next environment; we have also noted the two-week delay or more at the borders.

    “In conjunction with Shippers Council, we will look into the matters and make sure that those complaints are eliminated,” he said.

    According to him, Customs have mandate to move cargo quickly out of the ports within 48 hours.

    He said the arrangement had given a good image for the service and promised that improvements would be made on the operations.

    The Comptroller-General said NCS would collaborate with Shippers Council and the ministries of transport of both countries as well as Niger Republic Customs to ensure smooth border operations.

    Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport of Niger, Mr Alguima Abdoulaye, expressed appreciation to NCS for the audience given to them.

    He said he believed the two countries were one, but noted that with difficulties Nigeriens faced in moving goods through Nigerian borders, they preferred to go to more distant countries to ferry cargo.

    Abdoulaye acknowledged improvements in services at Nigeria’s borders with Niger, but expressed the hope that areas of conflict between both countries Customs Services would be resolved to ease cargo movement.