Official: Nigeria extends border closure to January 2020

The Nigerian border will remain closed till January 31, 2020.

The extension which was approved by its President, Muhammadu Buhari is said to be as a result of the ‘overwhelming success’ the closure has chalked in the face of the country’s economy and security.

This was contained in a memo signed by Comptroller, Victor David Dimka, dated November 1, 2019, and sent to all officers at the borders, reports The Tribune newspaper of Nigeria.

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The memo indicates that “despite the overwhelming success of the Operation particularly, the security and economic benefits to the nation, a few strategic objectives are yet to be achieved. Against this background, Mr President has approved an extension of the Exercise to 31st January 2020.”

Nigeria closed its borders in what it says is to stop the smuggling of products from its neighbouring West African countries into Nigeria.

The border closure, however, has affected many trade deals of its neighbours including Ghana.

Drivers who carry goods through the border have been stuck on either side for about three months.

The closure of the borders which started in August 2019 was expected to be in force for twenty-eight (28) days, however, it looks like the issues remain unresolved thus the initial continuous closure.

Find the full memo here
“I am directed to inform you that it is observed that despite the overwhelming success of the operation, particularly the security and economic benefits to the nation, a few strategic objectives are yet to be achieved.

Against this background, Mr President has approved an extension of the exercise to January 31, 2020.

Consequently, you are requested to convey the development to all personnel for their awareness and guidance.

Meanwhile, allowances for personnel sustenance and fuelling of vehicles for the period of extension will be paid as soon as possible.

This is for your information and necessary action, please.”

Background

Nigeria closed its frontiers in what it says is to stop the smuggling of products from its neighboring West African countries into Nigeria.

The action taken by Nigeria was to express its displeasure at the attitude of the Beninese authorities in order to elicit their cooperation.

The closure of the borders which started in August 2019 was expected to be in force for twenty-eight (28) days, however, it looks like the issues remain unresolved thus the continuous closure.

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Many trucks have been stranded at the Seme border for several weeks now.