Excitement filled the air in the Illela border community of Sokoto State as the Nigerian Customs Service, Sokoto State Command, officially reopened the land border between Nigeria and Niger Republic in the Illela Local Government Area on Thursday.
This decision came following the Federal Government’s order to reopen all Nigerian borders with Niger Republic and restore electricity to the neighboring country.
The move follows the lifting of sanctions imposed on Niger Republic by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) after the military takeover in the country.
In a statement released on Thursday, Abdullahi Tsafe Abubakar, the spokesperson for the Sokoto State Customs Command, announced the official reopening of the border, as directed by Comptroller Kamal Muhammed.
Muhammed emphasized the importance of collaboration among various agencies and security personnel stationed at the border for smooth trade facilitation, information sharing, and intelligence gathering.
Meanwhile, the Comptroller-General of Immigration, Kemi Nandap, instructed all personnel deployed to the Nigeria-Niger border to resume their duties.
Additionally, President Tinubu appointed Dr. Dakorinama George as the Director-General of the Border Communities Development Agency. George, a seasoned professional with a background in construction management, is expected to lead the agency with integrity and dedication in line with the objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda for border communities development.
