Federal Government on Friday approved the reopening of four additional land borders shut in August 2019 as part of efforts to prevent the smuggling of illegal arms, food & agricultural products to stimulate local production.
A circular released by the Nigeria Customs Service, signed by Deputy Comptroller-General E. I. Edorhe, on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Hameed Ali, listed the borders as Idiroko border post in Ogun State, Jibiya border post in Katsina State, Kamba border post in Kebbi State and Ikom border post in Cross River State.
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The circular titled, ‘Re-opening of four additional Nigerian border posts’ in a statement reads;
Sequel to the Presidential directive dated December 16, 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 listed below have been approved for re-opening.
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It stated;
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 Joint Border Patrol Teams are to take note and ensure that proper manning takes place in compliance with extant operational guidelines.
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The circular, which copied all Assistant Comptrollers-General/Zonal Coordinators, Area Controllers, Comptroller, Federal Operations Unit & Marine Commands, Comptroller, Customs Intelligent Unit, JBPT Sector Coordinators, Strike Force Commanders and Heads of Units, added, “Above is forwarded for your information and compliance.”
The immediate re-opening of the country’s four major land borders; Seme, Illela, Maigatari and Mfun is believed to be in readiness for the operationalisation of African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) which is scheduled for January 1, 2021.
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She further stated that other land borders will be reopened on or before December 31, 2020. The ban on the importation of rice, poultry and other products, however, remains in place.
