The Area Controller of the Sokoto/Zamfara Area Command of the Nigeria Customs, Comptroller Kamal Mohammed, has assured stakeholders at the Illela border that all is set for the reopening of the border pending the last order from higher authorities.

Speaking at the Nigeria Customs Illela border Station during a working visit, Mohammed said with the lift of ECOWAS sanctions on Niger Republic and subsequent restoration of power supply to Niger Republic, the reopening of the border will follow sooner than later.

Accompanied by members of his management team, the Comptroller appealed to members of the border community to remain calm and continue to be law abiding as all government policies are aimed at improving the well-being of the citizens.

He had earlier visited the traditional rulers of Illela, Sarki Rafin Illela where he met with leaders of various teacher’s groups and community leaders who took turn to appeal the government for intervention because of the harsh economic realities in the country.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) resolved to lift some sanctions on Niger Republic following its extraordinary summit on the peace, political, and security situation in the ECOWAS sub-region in Abuja on February 24.

Following the military coup in Niger Republic on July 26, 2023, which toppled President Mohamed Bazoum, ECOWAS imposed several sanctions on the country including border closure.

Some of the sanctions lifted include the closure of land and air borders between all ECOWAS countries and Niger Republic; no flight zone to all commercial flights to and from the Niger Republic, suspension of all commercial and financial transactions between ECOWAS member states and Niger Republic and freezing of all service transactions including utility services, among others.