Customs Says The Niger Republic's Border Will Reopen Soon

Stakeholders at the Illela border have received assurances from Comptroller Kamal Mohammed, the Area Controller of the Sokoto/Zamfara Area Command of the Nigeria Customs, that everything is in place for the border to reopen pending the final order from higher authorities.

Speaking during a working visit to the Nigeria Customs Illela border station, Mohammed predicted that the reopening of the border would occur sooner rather than later as a result of the ECOWAS sanctions against Niger Republic being lifted and the country's power supply being restored.

The Comptroller, accompanied by members of his management team, urged the border community to maintain composure and uphold the law because all governmental initiatives are intended to enhance the welfare of the populace.

He had previously paid a visit to Sarki Rafin Illela, the traditional rulers of Illela, where he had meetings with leaders of different teacher's groups and community leaders who alternated in pleading with the government to intervene due to the dire economic conditions in the nation.

Following the military takeover of President Mohamed Bazoum's Niger Republic on July 26, 2023, ECOWAS imposed a number of sanctions on the nation, including border closures.

The lifting of sanctions includes, among other things, the closing of all land and air borders between the Niger Republic and the ECOWAS member states; the prohibition of commercial aircraft flying into or out of the Niger Republic; the suspension of all financial and commercial transactions between the Niger Republic and the ECOWAS member states; and the freezing of all service transactions, including utility services.