Lawmakers Vote Against Reopening of Land Borders
The motion for the reopening of all land borders Wednesday failed to sail through in the National Assembly.
It would be recalled that some borders have remained closed after the federal government decided to reopen some closed since August 2019.
Among the four reopened in December 2020 were those of Seme, Illela in Sokoto, Maigatari in Jigawa and Mfun in Cross River.
In a bid to get others reopened, 11 members of the House of Representatives had sponsored a motion to this effect arguing that government could invest more on security to check illegalities.
A member of the House of Representative from Ogun State, who is leading the 11 lawmakers, Hon. Kolawole Lawal had in the motion called for the reopening of Idiroko border in Ogun state and the remaining others.
Lawal argued that the reopening of the borders has become necessary since government decision to ban illegal importation of food items has not increased food production by farmers in Nigeria.
He also argued that the closure of the border was affecting the free trade agreement entered into by African countries to check trade barriers.
However, a law maker from Lagos state, Mr Rotimi Agunsoye said the closure of the borders has not in any way been effective, adding that there was need for due diligence to be done for the border closure to achieve intended objective.
Lawmakers voted against the motion seeking for the reopening of the remaining borders when the Speaker of the House, Femi Gbajabiamila, called for a voice vote.
Gbajabiamila had earlier said the closure has recorded some achievements.
It would be recalled that some borders have remained closed after the federal government decided to reopen some closed since August 2019.
Among the four reopened in December 2020 were those of Seme, Illela in Sokoto, Maigatari in Jigawa and Mfun in Cross River.
In a bid to get others reopened, 11 members of the House of Representatives had sponsored a motion to this effect arguing that government could invest more on security to check illegalities.
A member of the House of Representative from Ogun State, who is leading the 11 lawmakers, Hon. Kolawole Lawal had in the motion called for the reopening of Idiroko border in Ogun state and the remaining others.
Lawal argued that the reopening of the borders has become necessary since government decision to ban illegal importation of food items has not increased food production by farmers in Nigeria.
He also argued that the closure of the border was affecting the free trade agreement entered into by African countries to check trade barriers.
However, a law maker from Lagos state, Mr Rotimi Agunsoye said the closure of the borders has not in any way been effective, adding that there was need for due diligence to be done for the border closure to achieve intended objective.
Lawmakers voted against the motion seeking for the reopening of the remaining borders when the Speaker of the House, Femi Gbajabiamila, called for a voice vote.
Gbajabiamila had earlier said the closure has recorded some achievements.
FOLLOW US
About Post Author
