At Last FG Reopens Four Remaining Land Borders
By Our Reporter
It was cheering news for traders on Friday as the federal government ordered the reopening of four land borders which were shut about three years ago.
Among the borders were Idiroko, Jibiya, Kamba and Ikom borders, according to a circular signed by the Deputy Comptroller General, Enforcement and Inspection, E.I Edorhe.
In 2020, the federal government had ordered the reopening of the first four land borders among the eight shut.
Among the first four were Seme, Illela, Maigatari and Mfun.
Government had complained bitterly of increasing smuggling of contraband through the borders as reason for their closure.
In the circular titled “Re-opening of four additional Nigerian border Posts”,Edorhe had enjoined various Customs formations and Joint Border Patrol Teams (JBPTs) to ensure adequate security.
Part of the circular reads, “Sequel to the presidential directive dated 16 December 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 stated below have been approved for re-opening.
“The borders are 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 JBPTs are to take note and ensure that proper manning takes place in compliance with extant operational guidelines.
It could be recalled that the federal government on October 15, 2019, announced the shutting of all land borders to import.
“All goods, for now, are banned from being exported or imported through our land borders and that is to ensure we have total control over what comes in.”
Cross border traders who heard the news have been full of celebrations over the federal government decision.
One of the traders told SHIPPING DAY that the measure will help them go back to business.
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