In a bid to enhance cross-border trade and economic activities, the governments of Nigeria and Niger Republic have taken significant steps by reopening key land borders.
Nigeria Customs Service initiated the reopening of the Illela land border between Nigeria and Niger Republic a week ago, followed by the official opening of the Konni border by the government of Niger Republic on Friday. Nuhu Samaila, a source from Konni, praised the decision, highlighting its potential to boost economic cooperation between the two nations.
“It is a commendable effort, at least by the government, to have done the needful at last,” stated Samaila. “I want to believe that this will definitely help a lot in the improvement of the economy of these two countries, as it will facilitate more trading activities between Nigeria and Niger Republic.”
The move comes after a series of diplomatic maneuvers, including the restoration of electricity supply from Nigeria to Niger, following President Bola Tinubu’s directive to reopen Nigeria’s land and air borders with Niger Republic. This decision overturned previous sanctions imposed by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in response to a coup in Niger that ousted President-elect Mohamed Bazoum in July 2023.
ECOWAS, led by President Tinubu, had imposed sanctions on Niger, demanding the restoration of constitutional order and condemning Bazoum’s arrest and detention by the Niger Presidential Guard.
In alignment with President Tinubu’s directive, the Controller of Nigeria Customs Service, Kebbi State command, Iheanacho Ojike, reopened the Kamba land border, emphasizing its strategic importance in revenue generation for Kebbi State.
The reopening of these borders signifies a crucial step towards fostering economic recovery and cooperation between Nigeria and Niger Republic, paving the way for increased trade and mutual prosperity.