Ladoja Urges Federal Government to Reopen All Land Borders

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has called on the Federal Government to reopen all remaining land borders in the country to ease the movement of people and goods within the West African sub-region in line with the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme. He made the appeal in Ibadan when the outgoing Controller of the Nigeria Customs Service, Oyo/Osun Area Command, Comptroller Gambo Aliyu, paid him a farewell visit at his Bodija residence on Sunday.

Ladoja recalled that the Federal Government closed Nigeria’s land borders in 2019 during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, a policy aimed at curbing smuggling and protecting local industries. He noted that although some major borders such as Seme in Lagos State and Idiroko in Ogun State have since been reopened, several others remain shut. The monarch argued that the continued closure is no longer justified after the removal of fuel subsidy on May 29, 2023, a policy shift he said had addressed one of the concerns behind the original border closure.

The Olubadan commended the Nigeria Customs Service for its efforts against smuggling but urged the agency to intensify its vigilance against the entry of illegal arms, ammunition, drugs, substandard products and other prohibited items. He emphasised the need for tighter security at the nation’s borders, seaports and airports to prevent the inflow of dangerous goods.

Ladoja praised Aliyu, the 37th Controller of the Oyo/Osun Area Command, for what he described as diligence and commitment during his tenure, wishing him success in his future postings. Aliyu, in his remarks, expressed appreciation to the Olubadan and the wider traditional institution in Oyo State for the cooperation extended to him while in office and appealed for continued support for his successor.