Pres. Bola Tinubu
Nigeria shuts land border with Niger Republic
Barely hours after President Bola Tinubu wrote the senate detailing the action plan of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) over the coup in Niger Republic, the Nigerian government has officially closed land borders with its neighbor.
The closure which affects outbound crossings, however, does not bar Nigerians returning home from using the entry post.
The military in Niger Republic had staged a coup on July 26 ousting the country’s civilian president, Mohammed Bazoum from power, a move which has divided opinions of the international community while eliciting commendations from Nigeriens at home.
Confirming the border closure, Friday, Acting Comptroller General of Customs Bashir Adeniyi said this at Illela border, Sokoto state.
According to him, with the current situation in Niger, the borders have been closed, and there are restrictions of movement along the areas.
He, therefore, advised Nigerians who were planning to travel to Niger to stay safe at home, saying that only Nigerians that are returning home were allowed to cross the border.
He also said Nigeria Customs had deployed its personnel to block all the unorthodox roads through which some of the foreigners may likely infiltrate.
“You know Sokoto and Niger Republic, we are a homogeneous society, with the same language, religion and culture, but we have a colonial boundary which we must respect.”
President had written to the senate detailing ECOWAS plan of action which included measures aimed at returning the country to civilian rule.
Tinubu’s letter to the Senate was read on the floor of the senate by its President, Godswill Akpabio.
The letter read: “Political situation in Niger. Following the unfortunate political situation in the Niger Republic culminating in the overthrow of its President, ECOWAS under my leadership condemned the coup in its entirety and resolved to seek the return of the democratically elected government.
“In a bid to restore peace, ECOWAS convened a meeting and came out with a communique: Closure and monitoring of all land borders with the Niger Republic and reactivating of the border drilling exercise; Cutting off electricity supply to the Niger Republic; mobilising international support for the implementation of the provisions of the ECOWAS communiqué; Preventing the operation of commercial and special flights into and from Niger Republic; blockade of goods in transit to Niger, especially from Lagos and eastern seaports; Embarking on sensitisation of Nigerians and Nigeriens on the imperative of these actions, particularly via social media.
