Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Katsina State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Katsina Area Command, have pledged to work together in sensitising border communities on the dangers and consequences of smuggling. The commitment was made on Thursday, May 21, 2026, during a courtesy visit by the newly elected NUJ executives to the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Mohd Saidu, at the command’s headquarters in Katsina.
Comptroller Saidu congratulated the new NUJ leadership and described the media as a critical partner in promoting national security, public enlightenment, and economic development. He emphasised that combating smuggling requires collective efforts from security agencies, traditional institutions, community leaders, and the media to educate the public, especially residents of border communities, on the negative effects of illegal trade. According to him, smuggling poses serious threats to the nation’s economy by undermining government policies, discouraging legitimate trade, and endangering the citizens' well‑being. He assured the NUJ of the command’s readiness to sustain collaboration with the media, stating that curbing smuggling activities requires collective efforts and that the Katsina Area Command is ready to partner with the NUJ in sensitising the public on the dangers of smuggling.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the NUJ, Katsina State Council, Comrade Aminu Dandagoro, said the visit was aimed at strengthening the existing relationship between the union and the NCS. He noted that the newly elected executives are committed to promoting responsible journalism and supporting initiatives that foster peace, security, and national development. Also speaking during the visit, the Patron of the NUJ, Comptroller Usman Bello (Rtd), commended the NCS for its sustained efforts in combating smuggling and safeguarding the nation’s borders. He urged journalists to use their platforms to promote public awareness campaigns, particularly among border communities, to discourage involvement in illegal trade and other economic crimes.
Both organisations discussed strategies for strengthening collaboration in the areas of public sensitisation, national security awareness, and effective information sharing for the overall development of Katsina State. The partnership is expected to intensify public enlightenment campaigns targeting border communities in Katsina, where smuggling of goods such as rice, foreign textiles, and petroleum products has remained a significant challenge despite repeated enforcement actions by the Customs Service.
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