The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Col Hameed Ali (rtd), has maintained that Nigerian borders closure would last until the protocols on movement of goods and persons as established by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) are strictly adhered to by the neighboring countries.
Ali made the remarks on Thursday during his operational visit to Idiroko border in Ogun State, adding that there is no end in sight to the partial closure of land borders until the conditions are met.
He stated that adherence to protocols on movement of persons and goods would ensure mutual benefit of the countries and enhance coexistence.
”As you know, we are doing an operation called ‘Border Drill’ and as a result of that, we have deployed our men in most of these commands.
“There are three reasons why we go round: first is to convey Mr. President’s commendation to our troops and personnel that have been deployed to carry out those drills, second is to further explain to them the reasons why we are doing this drill, and third is to get feedback on the ground as to the successes and challenges.
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”The border drill has no definitive end, but what we believe we want is that we want to establish relationship with our neighbours and this relationship is mutual.
“So, we will keep this drill going on until we get to the point where we now sit down and agree on the basic things that will mutually benefit us and mutually enhance our coexistence and ensure that the protocols established by ECOWAS, not by Nigeria, are adhered to strictly,” the Customs DG said.