…Urges Tinubu to open border
Northern traders have lamented the loss of about N13bn weekly due to the closure of borders in the region over the ongoing crisis in Niger Republic.
Recall that President Bola Tinubu had on August 4 ordered the closure of all borders with Niger Republic which the Nigerian Customs have now enforced. The borders include Jibiya, in Katsina State; Illelah, in Sokoto, and Maigatari, in Jigawa State.
Addressing a press conference on the matter in Abuja yesterday, the chairman, Arewa Economic Forum, Ibrahim Yahaya Dandakata, said the economic consequences of the closure is becoming unbearable for traders, while urging the federal government to open the Maje-Illo border in Kebbi, to allow traders bring in goods to the country.
According to him, “Trade between Niger and Nigeria is usually informal, especially in perishable goods; and only last year alone, it is estimated at about N177bn in goods and services such as livestock and food items.
“Therefore, further closure of the border will be detrimental to the huge trade going on between these two countries. We hereby appeal to President Tinubu to open the Maje-Illo border in Kebbi State, to enable traders bring in their goods into the country and empower Customs to collect import duty thereafter”, he explained.
