AFRICA

Katsina Residents Demand Reopening of Border with Niger Republic

Residents of border communities in Katsina state have urged the Nigeria Customs Service to immediately reopen the land border with Niger Republic for commercial activities to thrive in the state.

The residents, who made the demand in an interactive session with the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi in Kongolam, Saturday, said businesses have folded off due to the border closure.

The District Head of Mai’Adua, Alhaji Ahmad Diddiri Ahmad, who spoke at the event said the borders should be reopened for legitimate business activities to flourish between Nigeria and Niger Republic.

He said: “Many people have gone out of business, so we want this border (Kongolam) to be reopened because it is providing jobs to many residents. Not just that, we want the Nigerian government to approve imports through the inland borders. This border must be open.”

Another resident, Yusuf Mohammed, said: “I hope you (Adeniyi) come with the key to open our border? Mai’Adua was one of the richest towns in Katsina state before the closure of the border.

“Mai’Adua is a place where there is peace but now there is no peace because people are suffering from hunger because of the closure of the border.”

Responding, Adeniyi said he would report the issues raised by members of the border community to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for scrutiny and possible consideration.

Francis Sardauna in Katsina