I’m in Katsina to boost legal businesses for economic growth, development – Katsina Customs Command Comptroller 

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By Akanji Alowolodu, Bauchi

The Comptroller of Customs, Katsina State Command, Mohammed Abubakar Umar has stressed that he is not in Katsina state to stop economic growth of the people but rather, to boost and strengthen it legally and legitimately. 

The Comptroller however urged the people to engage in legitimate business venture, not to engage in smuggling and other illegality which may pitch them against the Customs and other security agencies operating in the area. 

Umar was speaking when he inspected the Nigeria-Niger Borders in Katsina State as part of his efforts to strengthen capacity building of the Nigerian Customs Service operatives in the Command as well as earn the confidence of the residents.

The Comptroller during the borders visit, went to Magama and Maji in Jibia, Dankama in Kaita LGA and Birnin Kuka of Mashi Local Governments Area of the State. 

He used the occasion to familiarized himself with other Officers in duty and other traditional institutions within the border region in order to have a robust relationship with them in the course of official engagement.

The Comptroller also used the occasion to seek for synergies with stakeholders on the way to build relationships between the Customs and the traditional rulers and other communities within the border region.

He further stressed the need to work closely with all the stakeholders, traditional rulers and other sister security agencies in the quest to build a strong economic base in the state 

Also stressed is the need of a harmonious working relationship between the Command and those that matters in the areas in order to ensuring that the set goals and mandate of the Nigerian Customs are met.

Umar familiarized himself with other communities and seek their collaboration as well as understanding their relationships with the Customs officers on duty.

Meanwhile, the activities of the Katsina State Command of the Nigeria Customs has been described as commendable particularly since the assumption of duty of the Controller, Mohammed Abubakar Umar few months ago. 

A youth leader in Bauchi State, Comrade Ukkasha Hamza Rahama made the assertion while speaking with journalists in Bauchi on Saturday on the activities of the Command. 

According to him, “the Katsina Command which share borders with Niger Republic had remained a worry before now. But with the coming of Mohammed Abubakar Umar, things have changed positively. The report we are hearing from there is very encouraging. He is representing Bauchi State very well.”

He then urged other Officers and Men of the Command to support and rally round him in order to achieve the set objectives of his posting to the Command just as he also solicited for cooperation from the traditional institutions in the state.