The joint border operations code-named Exercise Swift Response exercise has led to the closure of Nigeria’s border with neighbouring countries and was made to reduce the smuggling of various products into the country.
President Buhari has approved the extension of the exercise to January 31, 2020. This information was contained in a memo with reference number NCS/ENF/ABJ/221/S.45, and marked “Restricted” was dated November 1, 2019.
The memo was obtained by a PunchNG correspondent on Sunday and it said 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.
Border closure negatively affecting the prices of products in the local market
Meanwhile, several textile companies like the Arewa Textile, United Nigeria Textile Ltd (UNTL), Gaskiya Testile, Lagos Textiles, Kaduna Textile Mills and Asaba Textile have paused operations because of the situation at hand.According to the news which appeared on NewTelegraphNG, most of the raw materials being used by these companies are imported from neighbouring African countries. Products worth over ₦3 trillion are being trapped at the borders. Both products that were supposed to come in and the ones for other African countries which have all been paid for.
In addition, a market survey carried out by the Information Guide Africa team has revealed that different foreign commodities like the stock fish are now becoming scarce. They few ones that we were able to price were being sold at unusual prices.
What do you think? Is the border closure really a good pointer to a better Nigeria or should the federal government re-open the borders? Drop your comments and opinions below as we thrive for a better Nigeria.
Also check out how the border closure is negatively affecting Benin, Niger Republics and other West African countries.
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