Border reopening: Niger Rep. to respect FG’s protocols

The Niger Republic has promised to respect the border protocols introduced by Nigeria before reopening some of its international borders recently.

The Governor of Touahwa, Malam Ibrahim Abbalele gave the assurance when the Illela border post was officially reopened  for international trade by the Nigeria Customs Service.

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The governor said “we know why our neighbour, Nigeria closed its borders and I am sure our people learnt their lessons and they would not allow a breach to the new guidelines introduced by the Nigerian government.

According to Abbalele, Niger and Nigeria have many things in common and have a long history of social, cultural and religious relationships.

“We share the same religion and our culture are almost the same. There is also a marital relationship between our people, so we are brothers.

“And when your brother is having a problem and has taken what he deems a necessary step to address that problem, your duty is to help him achieve that.

“The Comptroller of Customs has briefed us about the new guidelines and we will ensure they are not breached from our side,” he added.

The Comptroller of Customs in charge of Sokoto and Zamfara States, Alhaji Abdulhamid Ma’aji explained that the border was closed because of the abuse of protocols and the government would not hesitate to close it again when there was no compliance to its guidelines in respect to importation of goods.

Ma’aji noted that most of the arms used by criminals were not locally manufactured but imported into the country through our borders.

He, however, reiterated the ban on the importation of foreign rice, tomato paste, drugs and weapons.

The Konni Chief Douane, Colonel Mr Guzaye Mamman commended the federal government for reopening the border, reassuring that they would not allow things prohibited in Nigeria to pass through their side.