As part of his mandate, the comptroller of Kwara State Customs command, compt. Mohammed Uba Garba on Friday, 13th March met with Textiles, Shoes, Veils and Market Women association of Kwara State chapter.
While speaking at the meeting, the customs boss noted that the Federal Government resolution to temporarily close the border revolves around the fact that the policy is put in place to checkmate security challenges that have been bedevilling the country over the years, as well as boosting local industries and providing job opportunities for scores of Nigerian youth.
He however, called on the trade union to desist from patronising or selling smuggled goods, urging traders buying goods from Kano state to always have copies of receipts of good purchased from importers to avoid their goods being seized by Customs.
He further stressed that those patronising smuggled goods are doing a great disservice to the nation.
The customs comptroller enumerated the achievement of sector 3 since border closure to include:
Reduction in smuggling of illicit arms used for terrorism/crime, illegal drugs, and Sub-standard foods with potential to cause health hazards.
Reduction in human/Child Trafficking and illegal migration
Reduction in the quantity of PMS consumed daily in Nigeria by about 10 million liters. This is presumed to be the average quantity of PMS usually smuggled from Nigeria daily into neighboring countries through the numerous petrol stations along the border communities.
Increase in government revenue accrued from payment of Nigeria Customs Service duties.
Provision of enabling environment to boost local production especially area of Agriculture.
Enhancement of security across Kwara state/north central zone.
Denial of freedom of movement to criminals and reduction in criminal activities and crime rate across the state and zone and Nigeria in general
Mr. Mohammed said, the Kwara State Customs command, since its establishment had seized goods whose estimated monetary value worths Seven Hundred and three Million Seven Hundred and forty Six Thousand Seven Hundred and Eighty Naira (N703, 746,780.00).