By RFPosted on 20-11-2019Modified on 20-11-2019 at 03:25
It has been just three months since Nigeria decided to close its borders, citing a measure to combat trafficking and smuggling. A situation that particularly impacts the economies of neighboring countries, particularly those of Benin and Niger.
Diplomatic exchanges have been taking place regularly for several weeks to end the closing of the borders, which represents a significant shortfall for Nigeria's neighbors. Last week, the Nigerien Minister of Finance estimated the decline in revenue to about 40 billion CFA francs.
The Nigerian president has exchanged on several occasions with his counterparts in Benin and Niger. Then last week, a meeting was held in Abuja, at the headquarters of the Economic Community of West African States, in the presence of several ministers from these three countries.
Participants announced the creation of a joint committee to boost trade and put in place sanctions against smuggling.
We have no more money, our savings are over. There is more to eat. We sleep on the floor. We sleep in the vehicles. We are forced to sleep and wash ourselves with our vehicles.
[Reportage] Nearly 1,200 trucks are stranded at the Beninese border for three months
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They also agreed to set up joint patrols led by the security forces of the three countries to meet next Monday and Tuesday, to share their recommendations.
Benin and Niger hope that borders can be reopened as soon as Nigeria says it wants to extend the measure until the end of January.
On the same subject
Closing Nigeria's borders: Benin raises its tone
Nigeria, Benin and Niger launch joint border patrols
Nigerian border closure: high-level meeting in Abuja
Closing Nigeria's borders: an ECOWAS emissary in Benin
Closure of the border with Nigeria: in Niger, the local economy suffers
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