The Senate, on Tuesday, has called for the punishment of errant Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) personnel who abuse their firearms at the country’s borders.
During the plenary session, the Senate requested the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to decrease the number of checkpoints in border communities to facilitate the unobstructed movement of goods.
The Senate endorsed the proposals of an ad hoc committee, which was formed four months ago to investigate reported firearm misuse.
While presenting the report in parliament, Committee Chair Francis Fadahunsi recommended the appointment of new comptrollers for the Idiroko and Katsina borders.
“Federal government should direct the comptroller-general of customs and other heads of security agencies to reduce the multiple checkpoints mounted in border communities,” Fadahunsi said.
“It will aid the free flow of goods in and around the communities to the main town and around the markets in the border communities.”
The Senate made a specific request to the Federal Government, urging the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale, to minimize the numerous checkpoints in Katsina State, thereby facilitating the unrestricted movement of goods into and out of the localities.
Additionally, the Senate endorsed the recommendation that the Customs chief reassign the controllers in Katsina and incorporate modern technology into the execution of their duties.
“The Comptroller General of Customs should investigate and review the alleged issuance of an unofficial receipt to traders and non-traders in Jibia and Mai’adua, Katsina State by officials of Customs and other security agencies.”
“This act has caused untold hardship to people living in these communities, as moving of goods (farm produce) across major markets and even to Katsina town and other neighboring States is a herculean task.”
“The Comptroller General of Customs should redeploy the Comptrollers of Kastina/Kaduna and Idiroko Area Commands, and appoint replacements who should establish a good community engagement program. This will create a healthy relationship, make the Customs realize its mandate without being insensitive to the yearnings and aspirations of the people of the Communities in the State.”