Katsina State Governor Dikko Umaru Radda has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to enhance border security and tackle rising insecurity.
Governor Radda made this pledge while receiving the Zonal Coordinator of Customs Zone B, Assistant Comptroller General (ACG) Adekunle Adewale Stephen Oluyede, on a courtesy visit to the Government House in Katsina.
Governor Radda commended the Nigeria Customs Service for embracing modern technology in monitoring border areas. He described the shift as “a right development, in the right direction, and at the right time.”
“For a long time, Nigeria needed to move forward, and we cannot continue to operate as we did forty to fifty years ago. The world has moved into the digital age,” he said.
The Governor stressed that the porous nature of Nigeria’s borders makes it difficult to fully secure them through manpower alone, noting that the movement of arms through borders remains a significant challenge in Katsina.
He expressed confidence that using technology, in synergy with the Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Katsina Security Watch, and other security agencies, will significantly curtail the operations of bandits and other criminal elements.
Governor Radda also acknowledged the importance of building mutual trust between Customs officers and border communities. He noted that improved engagement with stakeholders had already helped resolve past tensions.
In his remarks, ACG Oluyede stated that his visit was to condole with the Governor over the recent passing of his mother, Hajiya Safara’u Umaru Barebari, and inspect Customs formations in the state.
He revealed that the Nigeria Customs Service prioritises technology-driven operations over force, saying, “We have resolved to use technology instead of force to check activities at our borders.”
Oluyede added that automation would not only aid in effective border management but also improve accountability within the service.
“By employing technology, the Nigeria Customs can better manage officers and monitor their conduct on duty,” he said.
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