Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto
Nigeria has closed its border with Niger Republic following the military coup that ousted the democratically-elected government of President Mohammed Bazoum.
Acting Comptroller General of Customs Bashir Adeniyi disclosed this on Friday at Illela border, Sokoto state.
According to him, with the current situation in Niger, the borders have been closed, and there are restrictions of movement along the areas.
He, therefore, advised Nigerians who were planning to travel to Niger to stay safe at home, saying that only Nigerians that are returning home were allowed to cross the border.
He also said Nigeria Customs had deployed its personnel to block all the unorthodox roads through which some of the foreigners may likely infiltrate.
“You know Sokoto and Niger Republic, we are a homogeneous society, with the same language, religion and culture, but we have a colonial boundary which we must respect.”
The Customs boss noted that President Bola Tinubu gave the directive since last week, saying he is at the border to ensure the enforcement of the order.
He further explained that as chairman of Economic Community of West African States , President Tinubu restated his commitment to the restoration of democratic rule in Niger
Adeniyi stated that Tinubu was an apostle of regional trade hence he would not take any action that will jeopardize it .
“Our president as a regional leader is an apostle of regional trade but where there is no peace , you cannot talk of trade,” he stated..
He said the decision was a resolution of the regional body and is not to punish anybody.
Adeniyi further disclosed that the action was temporary pending the resolution of political logjam in Niger Republic.
On opening of border for importation of cars and other goods , the Customs boss said the service was reviewing action and it would soon take a decision on that.
Responding on behalf of the community, the district head of Illela, Alhaji Buhari Tukur, represented by Abubakar Abdullahi, said the community would cooperate with the government and would obey all the decisions taken by the president.
Meanwhile the association of truck drivers has called on President Tinubu to open the border for them to cross to Nigeria.
Speaking at Illela border, the leader of the group Muhammad Abbas, said they were stuck at the border for over a week now saying even to have access to food and water was problem for them.
In another development, there is public outcry in Sokoto as a result in hike in the prices of food commodities due to border closure.
A resident, Abdullahi Aliyu who spoke with THISDAY said a bag of rice which was sold for N30,000 before now sells for N43,000 .
He maintained that if the political longjam in Niger Republic coupled with the removal of fuel subsidy was not quickly resolved, there would be starvation in the state.
“You know most vegetable oil, and rice in Sokoto are brought from Niger Republic. So when you totally shut down borders, the average person in the state will bear the burden” he stated.
Also those selling motorcycle and vehicle spare parts in the state are lamenting low patronage, saying most of their customers are from Niger Republic.
