TheCitizen - It's all about you
  • Home
  • Headlines
  • Latest News
  • Governance
  • Business
  • Financial Crimes
  • Opinion
  • Editorials
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Headlines
  • Latest News
  • Governance
  • Business
  • Financial Crimes
  • Opinion
  • Editorials
No Result
View All Result
TheCitizen - It's all about you
No Result
View All Result

Nigerian borders will remain closed until… – Fed Govt

The Citizen by The Citizen
November 26 2019
in Governance, Headlines
A A
0
Nigerian borders will remain closed until… – Fed Govt
22
SHARES
734
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

The Federal Government on Monday said seizures made by security agents at the country’s land borders indicated that the republics of Benin and Niger were not addressing issues that led to the border closure.

The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, stated this when he led a government delegation to the Seme border on Monday.

He explained that from the magnitude seizures made and the number of illegal immigrants apprehended in the last two weeks, it was obvious that “nothing is being done yet by both countries – Benin and Niger – to address the challenges.”

Nigeria had in August closed its land borders, saying smuggling of goods from its neighbouring countries was hurting its economy.

On November 4, the Federal Government listed five conditions for reopening of the country’s land borders.

As one of the conditions, the Federal Government said Nigeria would not accept imported goods that were repackaged by neighbouring countries and brought to Nigeria.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama,  during a meeting of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on the Temporary Partial Closure of Land Borders in Abuja, also said that the only travel document allowed for anybody coming into the country through the land borders is the passport, stressing that the country would not accept any other documents such as the identity card.

Mohammad said that since the border closure, “local consumption of fuel had dropped by 30 per cent apparently due to the reduction in smuggling of petroleum products to neighbouring countries.

“The partial closure has so far curbed the smuggling of foreign rice into the country, in addition to other prohibited items. Our series of interactions and engagements with the Rice Miller Association of Nigeria since the commencement of this exercise, has shown that the border closure has enhanced more production and milling of Nigerian rice.

“Patronage of Nigerian rice has increased and farmers are expanding their farms as well as engaging more hands. Furthermore, the border closure has impacted positively on revenue generation of the Federal Government which in turn will be used to build more infrastructure and develop critical sectors of the nation’s economy.

“The border exercise has also curbed diversion of petroleum products from Nigeria to neighbouring countries”, he explained.

Among those in the government team were the foreign affairs minister, Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola; Minister of State (Finance, Budget and National Planning), Clement Agba; National Security Adviser, Babagana Monguno, and the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Muhammed Babandede.

N3.5bn goods seized

Mohammed also put the estimated value of all the seized items at about N3.5bn billion. He said, “As we speak, we have ships loaded with rice waiting to be discharged (in Benin) and the target market is Nigeria (for Christmas). We have MV Africana Jacana with 40,000 metric tons of rice, MV Zilos with 20,000 mts and MV Sam Jarguar with 45,000 MTS and others.

Benin, Niger not addressing our complaints – FG

“The magnitude of seizures and the number of illegal immigrants recorded in the last two weeks alone indicate that nothing is being done yet by both countries, the Benin and Niger, to address the challenges.

Benin’s $30m rice import will end up in Nigeria – Minister

“In addition, Benin (Republic) has concluded arrangements to get rice to the tune of $30m. This is a country with just 12 million people, it is clear that this rice will end up in Nigeria.

“In the area of security, the ongoing exercise has recorded a number of seizures and arrests that would have had grave security consequences. So far, 296 illegal immigrants have been arrested. Also, some items seized include; 38,743-50kg bags of parboiled foreign rice; 514 vehicles; 1,012 drums filled with PMS; 5,400 jerrycans of vegetable oil; 346 motorcycles; 10, 553 jerrycans of PMS and 136 bags of NPK fertilizer used for making explosives. The estimated value of the apprehended items is about N3.5 billion.

“Over time, Nigeria has been confronted with numerous trans-border economic and security challenges. These challenges range from banditry, kidnapping, smuggling, illegal migrants to proliferation of light weapons, amongst others.

“Meanwhile, the preference for foreign goods, especially food items like rice, has continuously impoverished our farmers and adversely affected domestic government policies supporting the agricultural sector to enhance food security.

W’African countries violate ECOWAS protocol

“It is, however, disturbing that some neighbouring countries circumvent the ECOWAS protocol on transit. For clarity, the ECOWAS protocol on transit demands that when a transit container berths at a seaport, the receiving country is mandated to escort same without tampering with the seal to the border of the destination country.

“Unfortunately, experience has shown that our neighbours do not comply with this protocol. Rather, they break the seals of containers at their ports and trans-load goods destined for Nigeria.”

95% illicit drugs, weapons come through land borders

“It is important to note that 95 per cent of illicit drugs and weapons that are being used for acts of terrorism and kidnapping in Nigeria today come in through our porous borders. However, since this partial closure, the acts have been drastically reduced. Our conclusion is that, the arms and ammunition these terrorists and criminal elements were using no longer gain access into the country. In addition, the drugs which affect the health and the wellbeing of Nigerians have equally been reduced.”

The government also explained that it would continue to use diplomatic channels to continue engaging its neighbours to agree to comply with the ECOWAS protocol on transit.

Mohammed said, “Goods that are on the prohibition list to Nigeria, such as rice, used clothing, poultry products and vegetable oil should not be exported to the country. As a result of this closure, Niger Republic has already circulated an order banning exportation of rice in any form to Nigeria.

“In addition, the National Assembly has supported the executive directive on the border closure and the efforts of security agencies in executing the task.”

Fishermen protest, lose N5bn to border closure

Meanwhile, a group of businessmen,  under the aegis of the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents and Coconut/ Fish Farmers Union, on Monday at Seme border protested  the closure of the nation’s borders by the Federal Government, saying it had impacted negatively on their business.

The protest occurred during the visit by the Federal Government delegation to the area.

While protesting  the seizure of their goods, which had been paid for before the border closure, they said it was wrong of government agencies to seize coconuts and fishes harvested in Nigeria with the notion that they were not got from Nigeria.

The protesters carried placards with inscriptions such as “Nigeria is a signatory to ECOWAS trade liberation. Why closing the border for importing legitimate goods?”; “Mr. President, we borrowed money from banks, our goods are perishing. We are in debt”, “Mr. President, our duty-paid coconuts from Ghana are trapped and destroyed. Locally produced ones not allowed into our market”, and “The land borders are places of livelihoods. Closing it amounts to creating unemployment and killing people’s businesses.”

The Chairman of ANLCA Tax Force, Samuel Igbowu, told journalists that they had lost an estimate of over N5 billion since the closure of the border.

He said, “We are here to show our displeasure over what is happening, if you look back, you will see a lot of trucks parked; they are carrying imported goods and those goods have been paid for, duties have been paid. We have lost an estimate of over N5billion since the closure of the borders.

“They have been trapped here for over three months now, they did not allow them to go in. Most of us got loans from the bank to import and up till now, the goods are not allowed to go in, we cannot sell and we cannot return the money we borrowed.

“So, we are here to show our displeasure and plead with the government to allow those that have already paid duty on to go in. We have paid the normal customs duty and we have all the documents processed.

“A single truck here paid over N4 million as customs duty and we have over 900 trucks. We are pleading to the government to please allow those that have paid duty to go in and deliver to our warehouses. We are losing money day in day out. Bank loan was there and interest is accumulating on a daily basis.” – Punch.

Share9Tweet6
Previous Post

FG opens national sex offenders register

Next Post

Heritage Bank empowers 2000 female entrepreneurs through financial inclusivity initiatives

Related Posts

Lawmaker sues Benue governor, two aides for defamation
Governance

Benue killings: Gov. Alia rejects calls for self-defence, backs community policing

June 17 2025
CDS links military saboteurs to Benue massacre
Headlines

CDS links military saboteurs to Benue massacre

June 17 2025
NJC screens 22 nominees for Supreme Court, candidates face DSS, others
Governance

Senate considers raising Supreme Court judges to 30

June 14 2025
Resurgence of killings threatens Noth Central states, food production
Headlines

Armed herdsmen gun down Benue LG residents

June 14 2025
NiMet predicts three-day thunderstorms, rain from Saturday
Headlines

NiMet predicts three-day thunderstorms, rain from Saturday

June 14 2025
Tinubu cancels national broadcast, to address Nigerians from N’Assembly
Headlines

Knocks, kudos as Tinubu honours June 12 heroes

June 13 2025
Next Post
Heritage Bank empowers 2000 female entrepreneurs through financial inclusivity initiatives

Heritage Bank empowers 2000 female entrepreneurs through financial inclusivity initiatives

AURAK hosts 3rd Port City Universities Summit

AURAK hosts 3rd Port City Universities Summit

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

FROM THE GRASSROOTS

CAN advises Miyetti Allah to tame violent members

Imo villagers decry armed herdsmen presence in farmlands

by The Editor
June 13 2025
0

...

Imo communities decry govt takeover of farmland

Imo communities decry govt takeover of farmland

by The Editor
May 29 2025
0

...

North-Central stakeholders demand return of APC National Chairman slot

Lagos APC aspirants protest over LG primaries

by The Editor
May 13 2025
0

...

Rivers LGs urge Ibas to tackle kidnapping, herdsmen attacks

Rivers LGs urge Ibas to tackle kidnapping, herdsmen attacks

by The Editor
May 8 2025
0

...

APPOINTMENTS

Police Inspectors appeal to IGP over unpaid salary arrears

Police Inspectors lament delayed promotion, appeal to IGP, PSC

by The Editor
June 17 2025
0

...

Benue governor appoints TuFace Idibia as adviser

Benue governor appoints TuFace Idibia as adviser

by The Editor
April 23 2025
0

...

Gov. Diri heads PDP convention zoning committee

Gov. Diri heads PDP convention zoning committee

by The Editor
April 15 2025
0

...

NNPCL welcomes Ojulari, bids Kyari farewell

NNPCL welcomes Ojulari, bids Kyari farewell

by The Editor
April 2 2025
0

...

ODDITIES

Police Inspector loses life by accidental discharge from son

Police Inspector loses life by accidental discharge from son

by The Editor
June 17 2025
0

Truck runs into Christmas procession in Gombe

Gombe perm sec, four others die from electrocution

by The Editor
June 14 2025
0

Ladies who wear leg chains are prostitutes, says Pastor Ibiyeomie

Ladies who wear leg chains are prostitutes, says Pastor Ibiyeomie

by The Editor
May 27 2025
0

GLOBAL NEWS

U.S economy: I take responsibility for everything – Trump

Trump warns Iranians to evacuate Tehran immediately

by The Editor
June 17 2025
0

...

Kenya deputy police chief resigns after blogger’s death

Kenya deputy police chief resigns after blogger’s death

by The Editor
June 17 2025
0

...

Trump first former U.S President to face criminal prosecution

China accuses Trump of ‘pouring oil’ on Iran, Israel conflict

by The Editor
June 17 2025
0

...

Israel, Iran launch new waves of missile attacks

Israel, Iran launch new waves of missile attacks

by The Editor
June 14 2025
0

...

Bomb threat forces India flight to make emergency landing

Bomb threat forces India flight to make emergency landing

by The Editor
June 13 2025
0

...

State of the States

Enugu governor promises to immortalise music icon, Mike Ejeagha

Enugu governor promises to immortalise music icon, Mike Ejeagha

by The Editor
June 7 2025
0

...

Kano: Supreme Court reserves judgement on appeal against Gov. Yusuf’s sack

Gov. Yusuf declares Monday public holiday to mourn Kano athletes

by The Editor
June 1 2025
0

...

Ondo governor approves employment of 1,100 primary school teachers

Gov. Aiyedatiwa approves upgrade of 102 Ondo health centres

by The Editor
May 27 2025
0

...

Lagos to introduce monthly rent payment system

Lagos to introduce monthly rent payment system

by The Editor
May 15 2025
0

...

Plugin Install : Widget Tab Post needs JNews - View Counter to be installed
  • Trending
  • Comments
  • Latest
North-Central stakeholders demand return of APC National Chairman slot

APC flags off campaign for Lagos LG polls

June 17 2025
Nigerian varsity faces backlash over ‘no bra, no entry’ during exams

Nigerian varsity faces backlash over ‘no bra, no entry’ during exams

June 17 2025
Lawmaker sues Benue governor, two aides for defamation

Benue killings: Gov. Alia rejects calls for self-defence, backs community policing

June 17 2025
U.S economy: I take responsibility for everything – Trump

Trump warns Iranians to evacuate Tehran immediately

June 17 2025

EDITORIAL REVIEW

Benue carnage: Beyond army chief’s relocation – Punch

Benue carnage: Beyond army chief’s relocation – Punch

by The Editor
June 17 2025
0

Nigeria’s manufacturing: A call for revamp – Punch

Nigeria’s manufacturing: A call for revamp – Punch

by The Editor
June 11 2025
0

Protecting children from online predators – Punch

Protecting children from online predators – Punch

by The Editor
June 8 2025
0

Insecurity: Enough is enough – Tinubu tells NSA, Security Chiefs

Tinubu chants tiresome borrowing tune – Punch

by The Editor
June 1 2025
0

Auctioning Emefiele’s duplexes – Punch

Auctioning Emefiele’s duplexes – Punch

by The Editor
May 27 2025
0

Opinion

Tinubu cancels national broadcast, to address Nigerians from N’Assembly

Tinubu, The Audacity To Hope: Two years after

by The Editor
June 12 2025
0

...

Supreme Court affirms Mbah as Enugu State Governor

2027: Mbah, PDP and newfound political romance in Enugu

by The Editor
May 17 2025
0

...

Nigeria should emulate India’s blueprint for development

Nigeria should emulate India’s blueprint for development

by The Editor
April 21 2025
0

...

Much ado about immortalising Humphrey Nwosu

Much ado about immortalising Humphrey Nwosu

by The Editor
March 31 2025
0

...

Plugin Install : Popular Post Widget need JNews - View Counter to be installed
  • Home
  • Headlines
  • Latest News
  • Governance
  • Business
  • Financial Crimes
  • Opinion
  • Editorials

© 2024 TheCitizen Ng. All Rights Reserved.

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Headlines
  • Latest News
  • Governance
  • Business
  • Financial Crimes
  • Opinion
  • Editorials

© 2024 TheCitizen Ng. All Rights Reserved.