Acting Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), Mr. Wale Adeniyi, has clarified that the federal government has not issued an order to reopen all land borders closed since 2018. The alleged reopening of the borders by President Bola Tinubu has been circulating on social media platforms and news channels, but Adeniyi clarified during a press briefing that only selected strategic borders were reopened in 2022.
Adeniyi stated that a thorough review of the situation is currently underway, and the remaining shut borders are still under consideration. He emphasized that rumors claiming the reopening of all Nigerian borders are false and that any official decision on the matter will be communicated through proper channels.
To enhance border security and regional integration, Adeniyi disclosed plans to visit the Republic of Benin within a week to engage in discussions with their Customs Administration. The objective is to foster collaboration, address border security concerns, facilitate importation across the border, and explore technological solutions to complex border challenges.
Regarding fuel smuggling despite the removal of fuel subsidies, Adeniyi acknowledged that complete eradication may take time. While there have been reports of fuel seizures in some border areas, he noted that the rate of smuggling has considerably reduced. Adeniyi expressed optimism that ongoing government policies would eventually eliminate fuel smuggling across borders.
During his meeting with President Bola Tinubu, Adeniyi discussed various issues related to the Customs Service. These included revenue generation, enforcement strategies, and promoting port efficiency and competitiveness. Adeniyi expressed commitment to prioritize these issues for the benefit of the Nigerian economy and align the Customs Service with the objectives outlined in the Presidential Advisory Council’s documents.