FG had shut down the borders so as to reduce the importation
of rice thereby enabling local production of rice.
A circular released by the Nigeria Customs Service, signed
by Deputy Comptroller-General E. I. Edorhe, on behalf of the
Comptroller-General of Customs, Hameed Ali, listed the borders as Idiroko
border post in Ogun State, Jibiya border post in Katsina State, Kamba border
post in Kebbi State and Ikom border post in Cross River State.
The circular titled, ‘Re-opening of four additional Nigerian
border posts’ read, “Sequel to the Presidential directive dated December 16,
2020, granting approval for phased reopening of land borders namely; Mfum,
Seme, Illela and Maigatari borders across the country, I am directed to inform
you that four additional borders listed below have been approved for
re-opening.
“Idiroko border post, Ogun State (South-West Zone); Jibiya
border post, Katsina State (North-West Zone); Kamba border post, Kebbi State
(North-West Zone); and Ikom border post, Cross River State (South-South Zone).
“Consequently, all Customs formations and Joint Border
Patrol Teams are to take note and ensure that proper manning takes place in
compliance with extant operational guidelines.”
The circular copied all Assistant Comptrollers-General/Zonal
Coordinators, Area Controllers, Comptroller, Federal Operations Unit &
Marine Commands, Comptroller, Customs Intelligent Unit, JBPT Sector
Coordinators, Strike Force Commanders and Heads of Units.