Reopening of Nigeria's borders: restrictions remain
About 500 trucks have been blocked at the border between Nigeria and Benin, in Sèmè-Kraké, since August 20, 2019. Jean-Luc Aplogan / RFI
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2 min
Nigeria is partially reopening its land borders after almost a year and a half of closure.
A decision intended at the time to fight against contraband and to encourage local Nigerian production.
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This reopening
is a surprise decision, as the announcement of the border closure in August 2019 had been announced. The trade isolation ordered unilaterally, without consultation, had not been appreciated by the neighboring countries of the Nigeria hit by the measure.
It was a subject that came up again, often behind the scenes, at each meeting of the leaders of the region.
Abuja could not therefore keep its borders closed indefinitely.
This reopening is not a Christmas present either.
It comes a few days before the entry into force of the Zlecaf,
the African Continental Free Trade Area
, on January 1.
Nigeria ratified the founding text of this large market a few weeks ago.
Moreover, the benefits of this closure were actually very slim.
Hence, moreover, a reopening which is only partial.
Cross-border marketing of products such as rice and chicken, for example, remains prohibited.
The only benefit of the measure was to curb imports, in particular via the port of Cotonou in Benin, such as rice and fuel, which were aimed at the Nigerian market.
But so far, the food industry and oil refineries have not improved their performance.
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Nigeria
Benign
Cameroon