Nigeria officially reopens Kamba border in Kebbi

Sequel to directive by the Federal Government to the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) to reopen all land borders across the country, last Friday, the Kamba border which links Nigeria to the Republic of Niger along Kebbi corridor, was Monday, reopened.

Nearly two years ago, President Muhammadu Buhari had directed the NCS to shut the land borders due to the incessant smuggling of foreign parboiled rice, frozen poultry products and imported used cars, also known as ‘tokunbo,’ as well as curbing the COVID-19 pandemic’s spread.

However, in December 2020, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) ordered the reopening of four of the shut borders, including the Seme, Ilella, Maigatari and Mfun borders.

The new directive to reopen all shut land borders affects the Idiroko, Jibia, Kamba and Ikom borders.

In a circular released Friday, April 22 and signed by the Deputy Comptroller General of the NCS, Enforcement and Inspection, DCG E.I Edorhe, titled; ‘Re-opening of Four Additional Nigerian Border Posts’, the Service said all Customs formations and Joint Border Patrol Teams (JBPTs), should ensure proper manning in compliance with extant operational guidelines.

“Sequel to the presidential directive dated 16 December, 2020 granting approval for phased reopening of land borders namely, Mfum, Seme, Illela and Maigatari borders across the country, i am directed to inform you that four additional borders stated below have been approved for re-opening.

“The borders are; Idiroko border post, Ogun State (South-West Zone); Jibiya border post, Katsina State (North-West Zone; Kamba border post, Kebbi State (North-West Zone) and Ikom border post, Cross River State (South-South Zone).

“Consequently, all Customs formations and JBPTs are to take note and ensure that proper manning takes place in compliance with extant operational guidelines. 4. Above is forwarded for your information and compliance,” the circular read.

While officially declaring the border open in Kamba, the Area Controller of the Customs in the state, Mr Joseph Attah, expressed optimism that the border would open a new chapter for mutual economic ties between the two countries.

“The reopening of the border is not an invitation to illegal trade, rather to, among other things, boost economic mutual benefit between the two international actors of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

” The border is reopened for trade, and to improve our economy, but you should note that the ban on importation of rice, poultry and other banned products still subsists and will be implemented by the border patrol team,” he said.

The comptroller urged members of the public to support the command with useful information on activities of smugglers in the state.

Earlier, the State Commissioner of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Cooperation, Alhaji Garba Ibrahim, assured that the government would provide all the necessary support to ensure economic growth.

He said the reopening of the border was the right step in the right direction as it would give opportunities to youths and women, particularly Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) initially affected by the closure.

“The official reopening of the nation’s borders would impact positively on Small and Medium Enterprises as they would now be able to buy and export their goods across ECOWAS member-states.

“In addition, more revenue would be generated for the country through appropriate payment of duties as West Africa countries bring their goods into the country,” Ibrahim said.

Also speaking, the District Head of Kamba, Alhaji Mamuda Fana, commended the Federal Government for the reopening of the border.

“Our people, especially youths, have been badly affected by the closure of the border, though we are not unmindful of the good intention of the government in its efforts to secure our country.

“The reopening will certainly allow for a free flow of goods, merchants will move their goods out, and other goods can come in, and we hope people, especially the youth will recuperate from their business loses,” he said.