Title: Nigeria Customs Service Continues to Review Border Reopening, Says Acting Comptroller General
Introduction:
The Acting Comptroller General (CG) of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Wale Adeniyi, has clarified that not all of Nigeria’s land borders have been reopened. While some strategic borders have been reopened, the Customs Service is still reviewing the process of reopening the remaining borders. Adeniyi made these statements after a meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. He emphasized the need to actively engage with Customs administrations across the country’s borders and explore collaborations for the common objectives of border security and regional integration.
Reviewing the Border Reopening Process:
Adeniyi addressed the misconception that all Nigerian borders have been reopened. He explained that the borders were completely shut down in 2018 and only some selected strategic borders were reopened in 2022. Initially, four borders were reopened, followed by the opening of two more. However, the Customs Service is currently in the process of reviewing the objectives of the border closure and determining the next steps. Adeniyi emphasized that the reopening of borders will not be a subject of rumors but will be based on a comprehensive and well-considered approach.
Collaboration and Engagement with Customs Administrations:
During his meeting with President Tinubu, Adeniyi discussed the importance of engaging with Customs administrations across Nigeria’s borders, particularly the strategic ones. He highlighted the need for collaboration to achieve common objectives such as border security and regional integration. Adeniyi revealed his plans to visit the Republic of Benin in the coming weeks to engage with the Customs Administration of Benin. The discussions will focus on collaboration, border security, importation across the border, and the deployment of technological solutions to address complex border challenges.
Appreciation and Vision for Nigeria Customs Service:
Adeniyi expressed his gratitude to President Tinubu for appointing him as the Acting Comptroller General of Customs. He also took the opportunity to congratulate Tinubu on his recent appointment as the Chairman of ECOWAS. Adeniyi highlighted the importance of ECOWAS for regional integration, cooperation in border security, and monetary affairs. He acknowledged that his assumption of office aligns with Nigeria’s period of focus on regional integration. Adeniyi discussed various areas where the Nigeria Customs Service can contribute, including revenue generation, enforcement strategies, and promoting port efficiency and competitiveness.
Conclusion:
The Nigeria Customs Service, under the leadership of Acting Comptroller General Wale Adeniyi, continues to review the process of reopening Nigeria’s land borders. While some strategic borders have been reopened, the Customs Service is taking a comprehensive approach to determine the next steps. Collaboration and engagement with Customs administrations across the country’s borders are crucial for achieving common objectives of border security and regional integration. Adeniyi’s visit to the Republic of Benin will further facilitate discussions on collaboration, border security, and the deployment of technological solutions. With a focus on revenue generation, enforcement strategies, and port efficiency, the Nigeria Customs Service aims to contribute to Nigeria’s vision of renewed hope and regional integration.