This blog post gives you the real information about the trending video showing the residents of Idiroko jubilating over border reopening.
Introduction
Nigeria’s borders play a crucial role in the economic development of its citizens, as numerous people depend on businesses associated with border activities for their livelihood. Nigeria shares land borders with Benin, Niger, Chad, and Cameroon, and also has maritime borders along the Gulf of Guinea.
These borders facilitate various forms of economic exchange, including trade in goods and services, cross-border transportation, and tourism. The border regions serve as vital hubs for commerce, enabling the movement of goods, such as agricultural products, minerals, textiles, and manufactured goods, between Nigeria and its neighboring countries.
Moreover, the borders contribute to the growth of the informal sector, where individuals engage in cross-border trade on a smaller scale. This sector plays a significant role in Nigeria’s economy, as it provides income and sustenance for a considerable number of people.
Closure of Nigeria’s Borders
In August 2019, President Muhammadu Buhari ordered the closure of Nigeria’s land borders, which had a significant impact on the livelihoods of many people who relied on border activities for their economic sustenance. The decision was made in an effort to curb smuggling activities, enhance national security, and promote local industries.
The closure affected various sectors and individuals engaged in cross-border trade. Local traders, especially those residing in border communities, faced significant disruptions to their businesses. Small-scale traders who relied on importing and exporting goods across the borders experienced a loss of income and were unable to access markets in neighboring countries.
The closure also impacted the economies of neighboring countries that relied on trade with Nigeria. These countries, including Benin, Niger, Chad, and Cameroon, experienced a decrease in exports to Nigeria and faced economic challenges as a result.
About the Viral Video Suggesting Border reopening
On Monday, a 21-second video went viral, showcasing Customs operatives performing a symbolic reopening of the Idiroko border amid jubilation. The video captured the attention of social media users and sparked discussions about the status of the border closure.
The Video Description
The video depicts a group of Customs operatives standing at the Idiroko border crossing, adorned in their official uniforms. Amid a festive atmosphere, the operatives can be seen removing barricades and raising a symbolic gate, signifying the reopening of the border. The crowd around them erupts into jubilation, clapping, cheering, and celebrating the resumption of border activities.
Customs Reaction to the Video
The Controller of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun 1 Area Command, Bamidele Makinde, addressed the issue of the reopening of the Idiroko border on Tuesday. Makinde clarified the situation, providing accurate information regarding the border’s reopening. His statement aimed to clear any confusion surrounding the status of the Idiroko border.
Contrary to a viral video showing jubilant residents of Idiroko celebrating the reopening of the border, Makinde clarified that the border had actually been reopened since last year.
In April 2022, President Buhari gave the order to reopen four borders, namely Idiroko in Ogun, Jibiya in Katsina, Kamba in Kebbi, and Ikom in Cross River.
As of now, only the Idiroko border in Ogun State has been reopened, while the remaining approved borders, including Imeko, Ijofin, Ijoun, and Ohunbe, are still closed.
The Idiroko border is open 24/7, but we do not have the authority to reopen the other borders. If any business activities are conducted at those borders, we will confiscate the goods involved.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the viral video suggesting the reopening of Nigerian borders is misleading and not reflective of the current situation. The video was recorded last year, and there is no recent evidence to support the claim that all Nigerian borders have been reopened. It is important to rely on accurate and up-to-date information from official sources to avoid confusion and misinformation regarding the status of the Nigerian borders.
See also Meet the 5 First Time Governors From North Western Nigeria
2 thoughts on “Border Reopening: Nigeria Customs Clears the Air”