The sports category has moved to a new website.

Nigeria says it will only reopen land borders until Niger and the Benin Republic have complied with the ECOWAS trade agreements

Nigerian land borders have been partially closed since August 2019. (Bloomberg)
  • Nigerian government gives conditions for the reopening of land borders.
  • Mariam Katagum, the country's Minister of State for Industry, Trade, and Investment, says there is no specific date for the opening of land borders.
  • ECOWAS asks Nigeria and other neighbouring nations to resolve existing border issues.

The Nigerian government has hinted that it will only reopen the country's land borders in strict compliance with regional trade agreements of the Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS)

Mariam Katagum, the country's Minister of State for Industry, Trade, and Investment stated this on Tuesday, December 24th, 2019, in Abuja, Guardian Nigeria reports.

With no specific date at sight, she said reopening the borders would depend on recommendations from the patrol team on whether Niger and the Benin Republic have complied with the trade protocols.

ADVERTISEMENT

We had a strategic meeting with the three countries, and what we agreed with our neighbours is to activate a joint border patrol, and the border patrol comprises the Customs, all the security agencies and ensure to try to follow the actual protocol laid by ECOWAS.

“The committee met on November 25, and it is only when that committee is certain that all the countries are respecting the ECOWAS protocol that they will recommend a day for the opening of the border.

“Government has opened talks with Jaiz Bank Plc, and Small and Medium Development Enterprises, to initiate schemes that will engage women who do little businesses along the border sides," the medium quoted her in a report.

ADVERTISEMENT

In August 2019, the three countries - Nigeria, Benin, and Niger - set up a monitoring team, Joint Security EX-SWIFT Response.

The joint border security exercise will last until January 31st, 2020.

At the end of its 56th session this week, the ECOWAS commission noted border closure as the key issue facing the implementation of the protocol of free movement of persons and goods in the region.

ADVERTISEMENT

It urged member-states to remove both tariff and non-tariff barriers to trade, giving low levels of intra-regional trade.

The Commission commended the efforts of the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS) Presidential Task Force on the matter and requested an urgent conclusion to existing border issues.

ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: news@pulselive.co.ke

Recommended articles

African countries with the highest divorce rate

African countries with the highest divorce rate

10 African cities with the highest crime index at the start of 2024

10 African cities with the highest crime index at the start of 2024

Machoka at 70: Emotions run high during Citizen TV presenter's birthday [Video]

Machoka at 70: Emotions run high during Citizen TV presenter's birthday [Video]

Diwali 2022: Is Monday a public holiday in Kenya?

Diwali 2022: Is Monday a public holiday in Kenya?

Akothee finally reveals reasons for separating from Omosh 1 month after wedding

Akothee finally reveals reasons for separating from Omosh 1 month after wedding

Man, once a ‘billionaire’, recounts how he lost wealth, now sells his book on streets [Video]

Man, once a ‘billionaire’, recounts how he lost wealth, now sells his book on streets [Video]

Details of Ngina Kenyatta's luxurious restaurant

Details of Ngina Kenyatta's luxurious restaurant

Zero Chills! Jackie Matubia's advice for Milly Chebby amid the unfollow drama

Zero Chills! Jackie Matubia's advice for Milly Chebby amid the unfollow drama

Nigerian royal dignitaries, including four kings and a queen, expected to attend Museveni’s 50th wedding anniversary celebrations

Nigerian royal dignitaries, including four kings and a queen, expected to attend Museveni’s 50th wedding anniversary celebrations

ADVERTISEMENT