Nigerian Senators on Wednesday faulted the federal government policy on the implementation of indefinite closure of land borders and asked President Mohammadu Buhari to immediately re-open them.
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The lawmakers in the Upper Chamber argued that the closure of the borders by the federal government was a blind decision that, rather than boost the economy, has negatively impacted on the business activities and caused untold hardship to the legitimate Nigerian populace.
Recall that the federal government had implemented the closure of land borders. On Tuesday, August 20, the FG shut down the border between Nigeria and the Republic of Benin.
The policy was greeted with mix reactions as many Nigerians lamented it caused a lot of discomfort and inconvenience for nationals of both neighbouring countries who were returning to their bases after business transactions.
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Because of this, the Senators are worried that the policy was not given the time frame to allow business people to prepare and that instead of the policy to end unlawful import and export of illegal products, it has heightened the smuggling of unwanted goods into the country at a very uncontrollable level.
They noted that Nigeria as the country had signed a bilateral agreement on free trade with many neighbouring nations which with the closure of land borders, attracts a negative image that as a nation, Nigeria does not keep to its words. It called for a review of the agreements.
Specifically, the Senate said countries such as the Republic of Benin, Cameroon, Niger, and Chad are now used as smuggling bases to perpetuate the illegal importation of unwanted goods into Nigeria.
Faulting the policy, Senators noted that security and other relevant agencies charged with the responsibilities to man the borders and prevent smuggling have failed in their duties.
Consequently, the Senate urged the ministries of foreign affairs and interior to increase diplomatic outreach and reassure friendly countries that the border closure should not be perceived as a punitive measure targeted at them but a necessary way to save Nigeria’s economy.
It further admonished Nigerian Customs Service and other security services to intensify the curbing of smuggling across the borders.
The Senate’s decision followed a motion by Senator Adamu Aliero (APC, Kebbi Central) on the impact of border closure on the Nigerian economy. The motion was co-sponsored by eight other senators.
Leading the debate, Aliero noted that “apart from the temporary closure of borders to intensify security, the nations’ economy experienced derivatives that impact the country especially reduction of fuel smuggling, other products like rice, processed frozen chicken and fish, tomato paste, sugar among others.”
However, lawmakers took turns to comment on the motion and unanimously condemned the closure of borders. According to them, it brought hardship to business transactions and the generality of people. They insisted that the policy be jolted immediately and the closed borders are opened for ease of doing business.
In his contribution, Senator Gabriel Suswam (PDP, Benue North East) argued that because Nigeria has entered into diplomatic ties with neighbouring countries in the West African sub-region, the federal government instead of closing borders, should rather give preconditions to bordering countries, and enhance patrol of the borders. This, he opined requires adequate funding of the agencies saddled with the responsibilities.
Concurring the motion, Senator Ibikunle Amosun (APC, Ogun Central) emphasized the urgent need to reopen the borders because, according to him, several Nigerians in legitimate business have faced difficulties, and that smuggling has risen.
Also contributing, Senator Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South) informed that “there were only 87 official borders and over 1000 illegal borders smugglers ply into the country and insisted that closing the borders is not a permanent solution.” He said revenue has dwindled and legitimate business owners that pay custom duties are grossly affected. He urged the federal government to review the policy.
Senate Minority Leader, Ennyinaya Abaribe posited that border closure was intended to suffer Nigerians because prices of products have jumped. He advised that the policy be given a time frame to allow business people to get prepared.
Senate President why ruling on the matter said “the motion will save our economy and save our people from hardship. We pray that the resolutions will be implemented by the executive.”
