Comptroller of the Katsina State Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, Mohammed Umar has said that, the compliance level in respect of border closure is fully enforced in the state and it is good for economic development of the country.

Comptroller Umar said his officers and other security personnel are working in harmony and no more challenges as smuggling of rice and other commodities has reduced to the barest minimum in the state.

Comptroller Mohammed Umar was speaking at the Palace of the District Head of Babban – Mutum, Alhaji Haruna Abdullahi during a familiarization visit to the border Community in Baure Local Government Area of the state.

Comptroller Umar who led a high powered  officers of the command delegation  to the area, assured that, officers and men of the Nigeria Customs Service would not rest on their oars until smuggling is totally annihilated.

He reiterated the efforts of the Customs in working  with other sister security agencies to further checkmate peddling of prohibited goods into the country as well as the protection of lives and property of the citizenry. 

Comptroller Mohammed Umar who vowed to resuscitate the Customs Community Consultative Forum in border Communities in the state emphasized that, the revitalization of the forum would enable the service and members of the border Communities in the state to rub minds on sustainable ways of stemming smuggling and other transborder crimes for improve economic activities.

He said the Consultative Forum which would be effective before the end of this year would serve as an avenue for the Service to sample relevant opinions of border Communities and proffer solution that would further deepen genuine economic activities.

While describing the Customs Community Consultative Forum as a veritable tool for resolving issues in border Communities,Comptroller Umar said it would feature periodic engagement with leaders of business association, traditional and religious Leaders

“We will immediately revamp the Customs Community Consultative Forum and make it more functional for improved trade facilitation and economic development without compromising national security,” Comptroller Mohammed Umar said.

He therefore, warned officers and personnel of the Service, especially those serving at the border communities not to compromise in the discharge of their duties, and always act in the best interest of the country.

According to him, “We are here to make sure that the economic activities of the state are improved. They (officers) should maintain the rules and regulations governing the border closure, and they should not disturb the normal economic activities of the state.”

Comptroller Umar also visited Kongolam, Zango and Mai’Adua border stations in Mai’Adua and Zango Local Government Areas of the State, and held interactive sessions with Chairmen of the councils, leaders of various business associations, traditional and religious leaders. Where they assured their support to the Nigeria Customs Service, considering it notable commitment to enhancing border security and trade facilitation in the state. 

Comptroller Mohammed Umar according to a statement by the Public Relations Officer of the Katsina Customs area Command, Assistant Superintendent of Customs, Tahir Balarabe finally toured the border stations as well as visited former President Muhammed Buhari at his country home in Daura and the Emir of Daura, Alhaji Dr. Faruq Umar Faruq, where they all reiterated their support for the Nigeria Customs Service.

Culled from New Nigerian Newspapers