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- To construct healthcare facility at border station
From Tunde Omolehin, Sokoto
The Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) has charged residents of border communities in Illela Local Government Area of Sokoto State to be patriotic and shun smuggling activities.
The newly deployed Customs Area Controller, Sokoto/Zamfara Command, Comptroller Kamal Mohammed, gave the advice when he visited Illela Border Station in preparation of border returning in compliance with the ECOWAS sanction lift.
Mohammed who was in the company of other senior officers said the visitation is to ensure all is set in anticipation of the last order to officially lift ECOWAS sanctions on Niger Republic.
“It is on this premise I came to ensure all is set towards the re-opening of the Illela Border. We are awaiting the last order.”
The Controller however charged stakeholder and Security Agencies at the border station on the need for synergy and cooperation in the area of intelligence, information sharing and joint operation towards safeguarding the nation’s border.
He noted that with more collaboration each agency would be able to effectively and efficiently fulfil its assigned mandate and responsibility in safeguarding the nation’s territory.
The Area Controller further appreciated the Customs License Agents for their patience during the seven Months border closure, saying, “We know it has not been easy for you, but God willing it will soon become history”.
Comptroller Mohammed also thanked the Illela Community for their hospitality. He announced that the Service has awarded the construction of a primary healthcare facility at the Border station, saying “when completed it will cater for both officers and the Illela community.”
Highlights of the tour include homage paid to the District Head of Sarkin Gwadabawa, HRH Lawan Zayyanu, where the need to educate his community against the menace of smuggling to the economy of the country was stressed.
