The closure of borders in the northern region due to the Niger coup has led to a weekly revenue loss of N13 billion for northern traders, as reported by Ibrahim Dandakata, the Arewa Economic Forum’s chairman.
Traders in Northern Nigeria Cry Out Over N13bn Weekly Loss After Border Closure With Niger Republic
The traders in Northern Nigeria have lamented the loss of N13bn weekly due to Niger border closure owing to the ongoing political crisis occasioned by the coup in Niger Republic. The Nigerian government had on August 4 ordered the closure of all borders with Niger Republic following the coup that ousted the democratically elected government and paved way for a military takeover.
Dandakata emphasized that informal trade, particularly in livestock and food items across seven northern states sharing a border with Niger, contributes a substantial N177 billion to the region’s economy.
This border closure has had significant economic repercussions on the lives of Nigerians, impacting their livelihoods.
Dandakata appealed to the Nigerian government to consider reopening the maje-illo border in Kebbi to allow traders to resume bringing goods into the country.
Since the presidential order to close all borders with Niger Republic in response to the coup announcement, the consequences have been profound, leading to substantial weekly losses of N13 billion for northern traders.
This decision to close borders was part of the broader ECOWAS resolutions, including economic sanctions, in response to the Niger military junta’s failure to restore democracy.
