No price is too big to pay for peace, says Customs boss

BY ANKELI EMMANUEL, Sokoto –

The acting Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS),  Adewola Adeniyi has stressed that no price is too big to pay for peace, hence, appealing that people should see the ongoing closure of land border between Niger Republic and Nigeria as in the best interest to restore peace.

Adeniyi, who spoke while on official visit to Illela border in Sokoto State to monitor the level of compliance with the directive, noted that, despite the hardship caused by the decision, Nigerians must understand that businesses and trade can only thrive in an atmosphere of peace.

While reiterating their resolve to carry out the order from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the fullest, Adeniyi noted that what is happening in Niger Republic have the potential of disrupting the peace of the Economic Community of West African (ECOWAS) sub-region.

“There are other measures that are ongoing. At the diplomatic fronts, there are engagements with the authority in Niger Republic to ensure that is peaceful resolution of the crisis””.

The acting Comptroller General of Customs, who expressed satisfaction that the locals are in total agreement with the land border closure decision, added that, their pledge to cooperate and support the implementation of the directive was commendable.

Responding to questions from newsmen at the Illela border post, the acting Comptroller of Customs said, “”Yes, there could be some pains in the execution of the land border closure exercise. And I do understand that Nigerians are already feeling the pains. But I want Nigerian to note that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is an apostle of region trade and peaceful coexistence””.

Continuing, CG Adeniyi said, “”But no price is too big to pay for peace. We want peace in Niger Republic. We also want peace all over the sub-region. And it is to ensure that democracy is restored to guarantee peace in all parts of the sub-region.

“We can only trade and business can only thrive when there is peace. Without peace, business will be pushed to he back””.

Adeniyi who further debunked any likely erroneous insinuation by mischief makers that Nigeria is at war with Niger Republic said, “”Certainly, we are not at war with the Republic of Niger. No such declaration.

‘”But what is happening in Nigeria is also happening in other sub-African regions that share border with Niger Republic too. It could be very clearly understood that what we are doing is to implement the decision taken by ECOWAS States”.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Sokoto/Zamfara Area Comptroller of Customs, Musa Omale had appreciated the locals for their continued support towards ensuring implementation of the directive.

Speaking on behalf of the locals, the Sarkin Rafi and District Head of Illela, Buhari Tukur Abdulrahaman represented by the Ubandwakin Illela, Abubakar Abdullahi expressed concerns that the land border closure has caused them lots of pains.

He however added that, they are in total.supoort of the decision hence, it is geared towards ensuring peace in the Republic of Niger.

In his appeal on behalf of the locals, the District Head urged the Federal government to consider urgent renovation of the border post, including flooring of the compound to avoid flooding during rainfall.