The Traders’ Association in Jibia local government area of Katsina State have commended Governor Umaru Dikko Radda over his prompt intervention in the alleged extortion of its members by some officials of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).
Briefing journalists in Katsina, the chairman of the association, Malam Sama’ila Mai-Masara, explained that traders for several years had been going through serious crisis with the NCS officials along the Katsina-Jibia Road, a border community with the Niger Republic.
This, according to him, had frustrated their businesses in the area, resulting in untold hardship and uncertainties, when they were scrutinised at several checkpoints mounted by the NCS who usually extort or refuse to allow them to bring foodstuff and other items from Katsina to Jibia.
Mai-Masara added that several efforts to enlighten the customs officials to understand that their goods were not smuggled proved abortive, until the recent intervention of Governor Radda by setting up a task force committee to ensure the smooth operation of moving foodstuff to Jibia
“Our situation has been improving since the intervention, a lot of our youth that relocated to either Lagos or Onitsha are now returning to start doing business. The governor deserves commendation for his giant effort. We pray for his success,” he said.
