Abba Hamisu Sani
Africa-Press – Nigeria. Nigeria shares a land border with Niger Republic of at list 1,608 kilometers (999 miles) .
These borders connected the citizens of the two Countries from different angles of the northern part of Nigeria that include Sokoto ,Kebbi ,Katsina ,Jigawa, Zamfara ,Barno and Yobe States.
Economic transactions between Nigeria and Niger Republic have created a lot of fortune for the citizens of the two nations with Nigeria as the high beneficiary considering its economic position in the region .
States like Kano which serve as the major commercial center not only in northern Nigeria but across the Sahara receives people from Niger Republic for different business purposes on a daily basis.
Also Katsina ,Sokoto ,Kebbi , Jigawa and Yobe local Markets business transactions with Niger communities are unquantifiable.
The decision of the Economic Community of West African States, (ECOWAS) to sanction Niger Republic after a Military coup that ousted the democratically electedgovernment of Mohammed Bazoum Nigerian borders with Niger Republic closed to comply with ECOWAS decision .
President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria, who heads ECOWAS, sent a letter to the National Assembly notifying it of ECOWAS decision to use force against Niger Republic.
In the letter read by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, on Friday 4th August 2023 Mr Tinubu mentioned some of the sanctions imposed on Niger Republic including closure of borders, cutting off electricity supply to Niger, preventing flights into Niger Republic, blockage of goods into the country, among others.
Different Nigerian Media reported Adewale Adeniyi who is the acting Comptroller General of the Nigerian Custom Service saying the closure of the country’s borders with the Republic of Niger is temporary and not a declaration of war between the two West African allies, contrary to speculations.
The service had said the decision for the total blockage of the borders was to comply with the directive of the Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) to suspend the movement of cargo until further notice.
Adeniyi, who was at the Illela in Sokoto State, one of the borders between Nigeria and Niger Republic to ascertain the level of compliance, clarified that what is happening in Nigeria is also being carried out in other states of West Africa that share borders with the Niger Republic.
“My mission here is to restate the directives of President Bola Tinubu, being not only the commander in chief of the federal republic of Nigeria but also chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS),
As we are aware, one of the chairman’s responsibilities is to promote trade between members of ECOWAS.
But we all know that trade cannot happen in an environment where there is no peace.
So the intention of the government is to ensure that we leverage perfectly on the nexus between trade and security.” He said.
However many analysts are of the view that the Nigerian government should consider the plight of Nigerians before embarking the decision as many Nigerians that cross the border for business purposes with many that are transporting huge goods to the neighboring country before the military action are stagnant on the borders between the two countries.
The situation has created additional hardship to Nigerians particularly those lucked in the borders.
The immediate impact of the border closures
Premium Times which is an online newspaper reported that Trucks filled with goods going into Nigeria are currently stranded at the Jibia one of the Nigerian borders with Niger Republic in Katsina state.
The online paper reporter said he counted more than 30 trucks on Friday 4th August lined on both sides of the highway from the Niger Republic site.
Stranded Drivers and their assistants lament the situation
Some drivers that are affected by the broader closure said they are in a dicey situation as many of them are at the borders before the official closure but before they could get clearance, the border officials said they received signal from Abuja to close all borders.
Hannafi Lawal and Gali Bala stated this in an interview with the Premium Times.
Hannafi described the situation as terrible as he spent all his feeding money Friday being his fourth day in the border.
Gali Bala said they will appreciate the two countries for putting an end to this situation.
“We are not part of their politics; we’re drivers struggling for what to eat. We have all our papers because this is our route. We’re not bringing illegal goods into the country. Why do we have to suffer because of some people?” Mr Bala, who is from Zangon Daura in Katsina State, said.
He said he is in contact with his family through phone but would appreciate it if he is allowed into Nigeria with his truck.
Even though this decision of Nigeria is a result of ECOWAS Unanimous decision to force the Military Junta in Niger Republic to change their position but it seems to increase the economic challenges face by Nigerians at the moment that government under President Tinubu has initiated economic measures that put more pressure on the common man.
At this juncture it will be wiser for the Nigerian ruling class to be more strategic in taking decisions that have diverse effects on citizens considering that the hash economy always promotes insecurity as many are losing their source of livelihood.
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