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Nigeria decided on Wednesday, December 16, to partially resume its land borders with its neighbors. Four border posts are affected, on the side of Niger, Benin and Cameroon. The reopening will take place gradually and all trade will resume at all pedestrian crossings by 31 December, with the exception of certain products. The borders had been closed for almost a year and a half. The measure was officially decided to stop smuggling and encourage local production.
as reported from Cotonou, Jean-Luc Aploganand Stanislas Ndayishimiye, of the economy
With the closure of its borders for 16 months, Nigeria has certainly limited the smuggling of several basic necessities. But the advantage of this measure is not very clear. On the other hand, it had negative effects.
Several thousand people engaged in trade between Nigeria and its immediate neighbors were left without activity. Other countries in the region, such as Togo, have lost significant amounts of fruit, such as tomatoes and vegetables, usually intended for consumers by the West African giant.
And on the Nigerian side, the prices of rice, one of the most sought-after food products, have risen. reopening of borders, the importation of this cereals, as well as the importation of poultry and fuel, is still prohibited. And since the domestic supply of most products has not increased, despite the goal of closing the borders, Abuja could not extend its protectionism indefinitely, which was contrary to free trade agreements within ECOWAS.
In addition, the African continental free trade area will begin its operational phase on January 1, 2021. One month ago, on November 12, Nigeria ratified its membership of Zlecaf, this large market that is of great interest to economic players in the country.
► See also: Reopening of Nigeria’s borders: restrictions remain
At the border between Benin and Niger, the explicit closure is outrageous
The announced reopening did not prevent a major hiccup, on Thursday morning, December 17, on the side ofSèmè-Kraké, on the Benin-Nigerian border. The euphoria quickly fell at this main gate to all trade in the sub-region. The barrier that arose the day before was closed again in the morning. A twist and a real cold shower for many.
According to witnesses, around 9 o’clock on Thursday, several carriages and motorcycle taxis transporting goods turned to Nigeria after being denied entry by the Nigerian police. Cause: the official note ordering the opening of the borders had not yet been received.
But on Wednesday night, it is the same police who have removed the barriers. She had also witnessed scenes of cheering. Suddenly, the first day of recovery hoped for a failure for the dealers, the transport vehicles. Truck drivers, who had started renovating their vehicles with mechanics and welders, had to postpone repairs.
Disappointment was everywhere. The spokesperson’s truck driver, Lucien Gohoungo, took things in stride: “He who waits for God is never in a hurry. We have been waiting for over a year. We can still wait a few days. Some days are nothing. ”
For lack of a conversation partner, no one knows when Abuja’s instructions will reach Sèmè-Kraké. According to our information, on Wednesday evening, at the time of the opening, no Benina government had received any oral note.
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