By Adedapo Adesanya
After more than two years, the federal government has directed the reopening of four land borders in Katsina, Cross River, Ogun, and Kebbi States that were shut in 2019.
This was revealed in a circular titled Re-opening of four additional Nigerian border posts signed by the Deputy Comptroller-General, Mr E. I. Edorhe, on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs.
The four borders to be reopened include the Jibiya border post in Katsina State, the Ikom border post in Cross River State, the Idiroko border post in Ogun State and the Kamba border post in Kebbi State.
It stated that, “Sequel to the presidential directive dated December 16, 2020, granting approval for the phased reopening of land borders namely; Mfum, Seme, Illela and Maigatari borders across the country, I am directed to inform you that four additional borders listed below have been approved for re-opening.
“Idiroko border post, Ogun State (South-West Zone); Jibiya border post, Katsina State (North-West Zone); Kamba border post, Kebbi State (North-West Zone); and Ikom border post, Cross River State (South-South Zone)
“Consequently, all Customs formations and Joint Border Patrol Teams are to take note and ensure that proper manning takes place in compliance with extant operational guidelines.”
The circular, which copied all Assistant Comptrollers-General/Zonal Coordinators, Area Controllers, Comptroller, Federal Operations Unit & Marine Commands, Comptroller, Customs Intelligent Unit, JBPT Sector Coordinators, Strike Force Commanders and Heads of Units, added, “Above is forwarded for your information and compliance.”
In October 2019, the Federal Government announced the total closure of land borders, placing a ban on both legitimate and illegitimate movement of goods in and out of the country.
The closure of the borders was part of President Muhammadu Buhari’s efforts to prevent the smuggling of illegal arms, food & agricultural products to stimulate local production.
However, after resulting in food inflation, in December 2020, President Buhari ordered the immediate reopening of four of Nigeria’s land borders – Seme, Illela, Maigatari and Mfun.