The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Sokoto/Zamfara Area Command, has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting legitimate cross-border trade while enforcing strict measures against smuggling along routes linked to neighbouring countries.
The Command declared that it would continue to facilitate lawful business activities across border posts and combat smuggling without compromise.
Area Controller, Comptroller Isah Ndako Aliyu, told journalists in Sokoto that the Service has renewed its operational focus to enhance revenue generation through legitimate trade within the Command’s jurisdiction.
“We will encourage legitimate business activities across the borders and squarely combat smuggling to the maximum,” Aliyu said. “We are ready to improve revenue generation by promoting lawful cross-border trade. At the same time, we will not hesitate to strategically confront smuggling activities.”
He described illicit cross-border trade as economically destructive and a direct threat to national revenue, stressing that offenders would face the full weight of the law.
“No smuggler will be spared if caught in the act. It is a serious offence,” he stated.
Aliyu further disclosed that the Command has strengthened inter-agency collaboration with the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to bolster surveillance and security operations across border posts.
“It is a collective step to also check against illicit transborder activities e.g of illegal movement of weapons and other prohibited items”, he stated.
(The Nation)
