Customs Approves Re-opening of 4 Additional Border Posts

• Idiroko, Jibiya, Kamba, Ikom

James Emejo

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) yesterday announced the reopening of four additional land borders across the country.

The move followed President Muhammadu Buhari’s December 16, 2020 directive which granted approval for a phased reopening of the borders including Mfum, Seme, Illela and Maigatari.

However, the customs in a circular issued by the Deputy Comptroller-General (EI&I), EI Edorhe, dated April 22, 2022, further announced that the Idiroko border post in Ogun State,  Jibiya in Katsina, Kamba in Kebbi and Ikom in Cross River had all been approved for immediate reopening.

The statement also directed customs formations and joint border patrol teams to take note and ensure that the proper manning takes place in compliance with extant operational guidelines.

The federal government had in March 2020 has announced the total closure of all land borders that were hitherto partially closed in order contain the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation SGF and Chairman of the Presidential Taskforce on COVID-19 pandemic, Mr. Boss Mustapha, had further announced measures approved by the government to protect the civil servants.

Earlier in 2018, the federal government had also approved the closure of the borders with its neighbours to check rice smuggling into the country.