Just a week after Nigeria Customs Service, in adherence to the directive from the Presidency, reopened the Illela land border between Nigeria and Niger Republic, the government of Niger Republic has reciprocated the gesture by reopening their border in Konni for operations.
According to Nuhu Samaila, a source briefing from Konni, Niger Republic, the border was officially opened at precisely 12pm on Friday. He expressed appreciation for the decision of the Nigerien leadership, particularly the Military junta, for heeding the calls of the people and facilitating the reopening of the border.
“It is a commendable effort by the government to have taken this step. We have been hoping for the reopening of this border after Nigeria’s side was declared open,” Samaila remarked.
He further emphasized the positive impact of this decision on the economies of both countries, highlighting the potential for increased trading activities and economic growth resulting from improved border relations.
The reopening of the Konni border comes as part of a series of border reopenings initiated by Nigeria, with Customs authorities complying with federal government directives to reopen all land and air borders across northern states and the country as a whole. This includes the recent reopening of the Konni-Illela border in Sokoto State, aimed at facilitating lawful trade between Nigeria and Niger Republic.