By RFIPosted on 07-10-2019Modified on 07-10-2019 at 20:36

Located at the gates of Nigeria, Maradi, economic capital of Niger, finds itself in a difficult economic situation with the closing of the border.

On August 20, Nigeria closed its land borders. The reasons given are the reinforcement of security and the fight against contraband products. This protectionism has an impact for neighboring countries, as for Niger. Maradi is the economic capital of the country and the closure of Nigeria's borders is not without consequences in this region.

In recent weeks, " we are witnessing a decline in prices ," said Elhadj Sani Souley Nassaley, president of the Regional Chamber of Commerce. There are no markets for these products. We only have local consumption and it is very weak .

Impact on agriculture

Agriculture is the most affected sector. The most striking example is cowpea. At the same time last year, a kilogram cost 283 CFA francs (0.5 cents). Today, it is worth only 190.

But do not panic for Zakari Oumarou, the governor of Maradi. The region is not dependent on these exchanges and the situation is more difficult in Nigeria than in Niger. " When you go to the north of Nigeria, the clientele of these states are Nigeriens, Malians and Chadians, who can no longer obtain supplies from important markets ," he says. We think there will be more pressure on the Nigerian authorities than here in Niger . "

If for now the situation is under control in Maradi, it may become complicated in the long run. If the borders remain closed for several months, products imported from Nigeria such as corn could be lacking.

►Also read: [Reportage] Benin-Nigeria: a month of border closure

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