Nigeria Closes Borders With Niger Republic

By Ayodele Oni

As Countries in the continent are contemplating  possible sanctions on Niger Republic as a result of recent mutiny, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced the closure of all land borders linking Nigeria with the country.

The NCS’s Acting Controller General (CG), Mr Bashir Adewale, disclosed this on Friday during a visit to the Jibia border in Katsina.

The Customs boss, also, explained during a visit to another border community that the border closure did not signify that Nigeria is at war with Niger Republic.

According to him, the decision for the total blockage of the borders was to comply with the Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) directive to suspend the movement of cargos until further notice.

He added that as part of measures to ensure 100 per cent compliance, they will sensitize the border communities.

The Acting Controller General pointed out that the decision was taken for the interest of peace and stability between the two countries.

According to Adewale, he had visited the Deputy Governor of Katsina State regarding the issue of sensitisation.

Other sanctions as stipulated by ECOWAS are the suspension of trade, diplomacy, and financial services to the country; while a no-fly zone has also been declared over Niger and its military hierarchy.

While  addressing Illela border community of Sokoto State also on Friday, the custom boss clarified that what is happening in Nigeria is also happening in other states of West Africa that shares same border with Niger Republic.

Adeniyi, while inspecting Illela border community in Sokoto State, stated that “My mission here is to restate the directives of President Bola Tinubu, being not only the Commander in Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria but also Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

“As we are aware one of the Chairman’s responsibility is to promote trade between members of ECOWAS. But we all know that trade cannot happen in an environment where there is no peace.

“So the intention of government is to ensure that we leverage perfectly on the nexus between trade and security.