Borders To Reopen January 2020, But Not Terminal Date - Customs

There are indications that the strained bilateral relations between Nigeria and her neighboring countries, which culminated in border closure, has not yet been resolved

The federal government, though announced a reopening of the borders by the end of January, 2020, vide Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) internal memo NCS/ENF/ABJ/221/S.45, addressed to all sector coordinators, Joint Border Operation Drill ( Exercise Swift Response), Sectors 1,2,3 & 4, to comply.

The memo, dated November 1, 2019 and signed by Comptroller Victor David Dimka, Comptroller (Enforcement), Customs Headquarters, on behalf of Deputy Comptroller General (E ,I &I), was entitled "Re- Extension of Exercise Swift Response",

The memo reads thus: "I am directed to inform you that, it is observed that, despite the overwhelming success of the Operation, particularly the security and economic benefits to the nation, a few strategic objectives are yet to be achieved.

"Against this background, Mr President has approved an extension of the Exercise to 31st January 2020.

"Consequently, you are required to convey the development to all personnel for their  awareness and guidance.

"Meanwhile, allowances for personnel sustainance and fueling of vehicles for the period of extension will be paid as soon as possible.
emphasizing that it did not indicate final termination of the policy.

The federal government, through the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) had initiated the partial border closure from August 18th 2019, an operation that was initially planned to last for a month, before it was extended indefinitely.

It would also be recalled that the Controller-General of Customs (CGC), Hameed Ali (Rtd Col.), has often reiterated during inspections of the ongoing Border Drill that the borders would remain closed until Nigeria"s neighbouring adhered to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS') protocol on movement of goods and persons.

According to Ali, "We will keep this going on until ww get to the point where we sit down and basic things that mutually benefit u, mutually enhance our co-existence and ensure that the protocol that was established by ECOWAS are strictly adhered to".

Meanwhile, Customs spokesman, Joseph Attah, a Deputy Controller (DC), while reacting to the development on a Whatsapp platform, said there was no end in sight for border reopening, adding that the January 2020 date was not the terminal date for the operation.

He said the borders would remain closed indefinitely until the day objectives of government for the operation was fully achieved.

According to the the National Public Relations Officer (NPRO) of the Service, “This is not a terminal date, it is just for this phase. You know operations of this type is phase by phase. So this phase is extended to January 31. January 31 is the end of this phase, it’s in phases, two months, three months we chose another phase. It is not a terminal date. The exercise will continue until the set objectives are achieved.”