The Senate has called for sanctions against Nigeria Customs Service personnel who misuse their firearms at the nation’s borders.
In a plenary session on Tuesday, the upper chamber also urged the NCS to reduce the number of checkpoints at border communities to facilitate the free flow of goods.
These recommendations were adopted after an ad hoc committee had been set up four months ago to investigate the alleged misuse of firearms.
Francis Fadahunsi, the Chair of the Committee, presented the report in parliament and suggested that the comptrollers at the Idiroko and Katsina borders should be replaced.
He stated, “The federal government should direct the comptroller-general of customs and other heads of security agencies to reduce the multiple checkpoints mounted in border communities. It will aid free flow of goods in and around the communities to the main town and around the markets in the border communities.”
The Senate specifically called on the Federal Government to instruct the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale, to reduce the multiple checkpoints in Katsina State to facilitate the free flow of goods in and out of the communities.
The Senate also endorsed the recommendation that the Customs boss reassign the controllers of Katsina and incorporate modern technology in fulfilling its duties.
Fadahunsi further stated, “The Comptroller General of Customs should investigate and review the alleged issuance of unofficial receipts 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 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 reassign 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, enabling Customs to fulfill its mandate without being insensitive to the yearnings and aspirations of the people of the communities in the state.”
