Customs open Kamba border, synergise with sister agencies to boost int’l trade
Maureen Aguta
The newly appointed Customs Area Controller (CAC), Kebbi Command, Comptroller Iheanacho Ernest Ojike Friday, reopened the Kamba Border for international trade as directed by the Comptroller General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
District Head of Kamba, Alh. Mamuda Fana, stakeholders and other sister agencies witnessed the reopening of the border.
Speaking shortly after reopening the border, the CAC said Kamba is a strategic border with major share in Kebbi Revenue generation.
He further stated that the border reopening was aimed at paving way for legitimate trade that would impact positively on Nation building, not a permission for importation of prohibited items that would ransack the economy and compromise national security.
Going further, Ojike emphasised that officers and men of the Command are ever ready to facilitate legitimate trade and act within the ambit of the law to simplify trade across Kamba Border seamlessly as long as stakeholders import what is permitted by Customs extant laws, make proper declaration and pay appropriate duties to the Federal Government coffers.
He concluded by stressing that food grains are still prohibited for exportation out of the country, considering the scarcity of food in the country.
Mallam Fana responded by commending the effort of the Federal Government, while emphasising that it is a new wave of hope to his people who have interest in cross-border businesses, and even small scale business owners domiciled in Kamba town and promised to caution his people on illegitimate trade.
In another development, the CAC has paid a courtesy call visit to the Emir of Gwandu Major General Muhammed Bashir Iliyasu (Rtd) to seek his blessings and cooperation as the royal father of the state, other sister agencies to gain their mutual cooperation and collaboration towards ensuring steady trade across borders, curb smuggling activities and provide security to the host communities.