FG Reopens Land Borders; Idiroko Included

By Uche Mbah

The Federal Government Friday approved the reopening of four land borders which were shut down in 2019 to curtail smuggling and check border security.

Nigeria Customs had seized the opportunity of the closure to effect massive seizures of imported rice from our borders. Videos even emerged of Customs officials using bags of seized rice to negotiate for ransome from terrorists.

The aim of the closure was, however, to encourage local production.

A circular by the Nigeria Customs Service, which was signed by Deputy Comptroller-General E. I. Edorhe, said the relevant borders are Idiroko border post in Ogun State, Jibiya border post in Katsina State, Kamba border post in Kebbi State and Ikom border post in Cross River State.

There were reports of low implementation of the closure in the Northern borders, particularly in Katsina.