The Nigeria Customs Service has charged the Illela border community, marketers and other stakeholders to adhere to stipulated regulations as ECOWAS lifted sanctions against Niger Republic.

The NCS Comptroller in-charge of Sokoto/Zamfara Area Command, Kamal Muhammad, gave the charge while interacting with the community on Tuesday in the Illela Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

Mr Muhammad said ECOWAS had lifted the sanctions on the neighbouring country and the action might translate to reopening of the nation’s borders, “while NCS officials await a directive to that effect.”

He said his inspection visit was to assess the situation and interact with officials of sister agencies, marketers and residents.

He solicited more cooperation from the stakeholders and urged them to ensure harmonious working relationships.

‘‘My visit to Illela border station is to ensure that all is set in anticipation of the last order on border re-opening. The lifting of ECOWAS sanctions on Niger Republic and subsequent restoration of power supply to the neighbouring country are the reasons for my visit to ensure that all is set towards the re-opening of the Illela border as we await the last order,” Mr Muhammad said.

He disclosed that NCS had awarded a contract for the construction of a Primary Healthcare Centre at Illela border as part of its corporate social responsibility to the community

The comptroller appreciated the licensed agents, traditional rulers and community members and encouraged them to continually support NCS with intelligent information to enable them to serve the nation better.

He also sensitised the community to dangers of smuggling, which he said hindered the nation’s economic growth.

Mr Muhammad stressed the need for stakeholders to support NCS to achieve its constitutional mandate.

Responding on behalf of the border community, a traditional ruler, Muhammadu Sarkin-Gobir, thanked the comptroller for the visit and assured him of support and cooperation to NCS and other sister agencies at the border.

(NAN)