By Abdulrazak Kaura (Sokoto)
Nigeria Customs Service NSC has reopened Illela border in Sokoto state bordering Nigeria and Niger Republic.
Comptroller Customs, Sokoto/Zamfara Command, Abdulhamid Ma’aji who performed the reopening of the Border along side his Counterpart of Niger Republic and also the Chief Bureau Douane Kwanni, Conel Gouzayē Rabiou urged the Border communities to support security agents to ensure total compliance with Federal Government’s directives on the reopening.
Abdulhamid Ma’aji called on the public that all Contraband items were still prohibited to be smuggled to Nigeria.
He maintained that other items coming into Nigeria should pass through the recognized process and ensure that, only certified revenue collecting agents were being patronized for payment of taxes and other excise duty.
In a remark, the Governor of Kwanni in Taohoau region, Ibrahim Abba Lele expressed happiness and gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari for his consideration to open the Border, which according to him would restrengthen the bilateral relationship between Nigeria and Niger Republic.
Also Speaking, the District head of Kwanni in Niger Republic, Alhaji Mamman Salou said traditional rulers of the duo countries would corporate and support security agents as well as governments to ensure success.
Earlier, District head of Illela Town of Sokoto State, Alhaji Buhari Tukur said, the reopening would put smiles on the faces of his people.
Some of the Illela residents, Commercial motorcyclists and Nigerians who converged at the Border to witness the ceremony, expressed satisfaction as well as optimism over the border Reopening.