The Nigerian Customs Service yesterday officially opened Illeila border, by the Republic of Niger, for the citizens for the purpose of import and export business activities.
The Controller of Customs covering Sokoto and Zamfara States, CG AbdulHamid Maaji, stated this in Illeila while holding a meeting with residents communities both from Illeila in Nigeria and representative of Kwanni in the Niger Republic, as well as relevant stakeholders.
The CG, while assuring the people of the community of the total co-operation of his men, said with the opening of the border, economic activities will return to Illeila and its environment.
He called on residents of the area to give maximum support to the Nigerian Customs and other security agencies so as to help them in discharging their responsibilities.
He however, said that all items that are tagged as contraband still remain banned.
Items like rice, palm oil, drugs, amongst others still remain banned and will not be allowed to enter the country from this land border, he stated.
The chairman of Traders association in the State, Ibrahim Milgoma, in his remarks commended the government for the re-opening of the land borders in the State, saying that now residents of the communities who have been out of job will benefit, while governments at all levels will benefit from improved revenue of the country.
He re-assured that traders in the State will continue to collaborate with the security agencies while avoiding bringing in goods that are not allowed into the country.
