Bolstering the collaboration between the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and border communities, Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) Bashir Adewale Adeniyi hosted an interactive session on Saturday, March 9, 2024, at Kongolom Border Station in Katsina State.

Bringing together traditional leaders, business figures, and community members from Mai’adua, a township situated 91 kilometers from Katsina town in Northern Nigeria, the session aimed to address concerns raised by the local community.

CGC Adeniyi, at the Customs House in Kongolom, expressed his commitment to resolving community issues and lauded the peaceful coexistence in the area, emphasizing its role in mitigating security risks. He stated, “There is a profound correlation between security and economic development; without peace and security, commerce cannot flourish.”

The discourse centered on challenges faced by business operators due to border closures. CGC Adeniyi highlighted the return of seized food items to their owners as mandated by Presidential Directives, with a condition to sell them within Nigerian markets.

Emphasizing the importance of community intelligence, Adeniyi stated, “By leveraging the knowledge and insights gathered from residents, authorities can effectively monitor and respond to potential violations, enhancing overall enforcement efforts.”

The CGC expressed satisfaction with the existing collaboration between the NCS and Mai’adua residents, stressing the need for continued synergy to achieve more significant milestones. He acknowledged the steadfast support of Governor Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina State, stating it has been instrumental in facilitating effective Customs operations and initiatives within the region.

Representing Governor Radda, Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Naziru Mua’azu Danmusa, extended gratitude to CGC Adeniyi and commended the NCS for safeguarding lives and property.

The engagement demonstrated the NCS’s commitment to constructive dialogue and collaboration with border communities, ensuring mutual prosperity and security. The Galadima of Daura, Engr Ahmad Diddiri Ahmad, and the District Head of Mai’adua praised the CGC’s visit, citing it as evidence of the productive partnership between the NCS and Mai’adua’s residents. They advocated for the reopening of the Nigerian border with Niger to stimulate local businesses.