Nigeria extends border closure Nigeria has extended the period for the closure of its border to countries in West Africa, till January 31, 2020.
The Africa, extension, which was approved byPresident Muhammadu Buhari is said to be the result of the ‘overwhelming success’ the closure has chalked up in terms of ensuring security and illegal smuggling of weapons across the borders.
The new directive is contained in a memo dated November 1, 2019, and addressed to the ‘Sector Coordinators of the Joint Border Operation Drill’.
Nigeria closed its borders, in what it says, is to stop illegal smuggling from its neighbouring West African countries into the Country through Benin.
The action taken by Nigeria was to express displeasure at the attitude of Benin in stopping the illegality.
The closure of the borders which started in August 2019 was expected to be in force for twenty-eight 28 days. GUTA has not been happy with Nigeria’s move and has called for reprisals.
The Foreign Affairs Ministry meanwhile says the situation is being handled with the best of methods.
The Ministry of Trade and Industry has hinted of a crunch meeting between the Commissioner of Customs for Nigeria and that of Ghana to discuss issues surrounding the closure of the Nigeria-Benin border at ‘Seme’ on Monday, november, 4.
The meeting is expected to help the two countries set out modalities on how Ghanaian traders may easily cross the Nigeria-Benin border with their goods.
CNR
