NCS’ acting controller general, Bashir Adewale, made the disclosure during a visit to the Jibia border in Katsina on Friday evening.
In the wake of the recent coup d’état in the neighboring Niger Republic, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has taken a decisive step by closing all land borders with the affected country. The move comes as a response to the unfolding situation in Niger and is in line with directives from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The acting Controller General of the NCS, Bashir Adewale, revealed this development during his visit to the Jibia border in Katsina. Adewale emphasized that the decision to close the borders aligns with ECOWAS’s directive to suspend the movement of cargo between the two nations until further notice.
Adewale underlined the NCS’s commitment to sensitizing border communities about the border closure to ensure full compliance. He emphasized that this decision was made in the interest of fostering peace and stability between the two countries, recognizing the significance of maintaining stability in the region.
It’s worth noting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in a letter to the Senate, informed the legislative body about the closure of ECOWAS borders to Niger Republic. He also highlighted the cutting off of electricity supply to Niger and hinted at the possibility of additional sanctions being imposed. The letter, read by Senator Godswill Akpabio, the President of the Senate, indicated that ECOWAS member states are standing firm in their stance that power should be restored to democratically elected leaders in Niger.
The closure of the land borders by the Nigeria Customs Service serves as a significant development in response to the political upheaval in the neighboring Niger Republic. As regional organizations like ECOWAS work to address the aftermath of the coup, the actions taken by Nigeria reflect a commitment to upholding stability and supporting democratic principles across West Africa. The situation remains dynamic, and observers will be closely watching for further developments and potential resolutions.
