Jubilation As Customs Reopens Kamba Border in Kebbi For International Trade

As directed by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi (MFR), the newly appointed Customs Area Controller (CAC), Kebbi Command, Comptroller Iheanacho Ojike, on Friday, 15 March 2024, reopened Kamba Border for international trade.

This was disclosed in a press release signed by Superintendent of Customs and Public Relations Officer, Kebbi Area Command, Mohammed Salisu, on behalf of the Customs Area Controller on 16 March 2024 at the Command’s Headquarters, Birnin Kebbi.

While speaking briefly after reopening the border in the presence of the district head of Kamba, Mamuda Fana, stakeholders and other sister agencies, the CAC noted that Kamba is a strategic border with significant shares in Kebbi revenue generation.

Comptroller Ojike further noted that the aim of reopening the border is to pave the way for legitimate trade that would influence nation-building positively and not permission to import illegal items that would plunder the economy and compromise national security.

Consequently, CAC Ojike stressed the readiness of the Officers and Men of the Command to facilitate equitable trade and act within the ambit of the law to streamline businesses across the Kamba Border seamlessly, saying, “As long as stakeholders engage in import activities that are permitted by the Customs extant laws, make proper declarations and pay their appropriate duties into the Federal Government coffers”.

He emphasised that grains are still prohibited for exportation out of the country in cognisance of the scarcity of food in the country.

In his response, Fana applauded the efforts of the Federal Government while regurgitating that it is a new era of hope for the people of Kebbi who have an interest in cross-border businesses and those into small-scale businesses located in Kamba town. Similarly, he pledged to caution his people to eschew illegitimate trade.

Furthermore, Comptroller Ojike made a courtesy call to the Emir of Gwandu, Major General Muhammed Iliyasu (Rtd), to seek his blessings and partnership as the Royal father of the state. He also visited other sister agencies to gain their cooperation in ensuring steady commerce across borders, curbing smuggling activities and providing security to the host communities.