The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, Arusa 1, has appealed to the Federal Government to open all land borders in the country, as part of efforts to ease movement of persons and goods across the sub-region, as provided under the trade liberation scheme of the Economic Community of West Africa (ECOWAS).
Oba Ladoja made the appeal on Sunday when the outgoing Controller of Customs, Oyo/Osun Area Command, Compt. Gambo Aliyu, paid him a farewell visit at his Bodija residence in Ibadan.
The monarch recalled that the administration of the late President Muhammadu Buhari, shut land borders in 2019, and later reopened some major ones, including Seme and Idiroko, in Lagos and Ogun States, respectively, stressing that there was no reason for the continued closure of the remaining ones, following the removal of fuel subsidy on May 29, 2023,
While commending the leadership of the Nigeria Customs Service for its anti-smuggling activities, the Olubadan urged the service to decisively address the challenge of entry of illegal arms and ammunition into the country.
Oba Ladoja emphasized the need for the government to ensure adequate security at the country’s borders, seaports and airports, in order to curb illegal entry of arms and ammunition, drugs, substandard products and other prohibited items.
He however commended Aliyu, the 37th Customs Area Controller, Oyo/Osun Area Command, for his diligence and dedication to duty during his short stay in the command and wished him the best in his future endeavours.
Earlier, Aliyu had appreciated the Olubadan and the traditional institution in the state for their support during his tenure, appealing that the same be extended to his successor.
NAN