Nigerian Govt Orders Re-opening of Four Additional Borders

Nigerian government has ordered the re-opening of four additional border posts previously closed.

This is was disclosed in a memo from the office of the Deputy Comptroller-General Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), dated April 22, 2022.

According to the memo which was signed by the Deputy Comptroller-General of NCS, the border posts to be re-opened include Idiroko border post, Ogun State (South-West Zone); Jibiya border post, Katsina State (North-West Zone); Kamba border post, Kebbi State (North-West Zone); and Ikom border post, Cross River State (South-South zone).

Part of the memo reads:
“Sequel to the Presidential directive dated 16 December 2020 granting approval for phased reopening ot land borders namely Mrum, Seme, Lela and Maigatari borders across the country, I am directed to inform you that four additional borders listed below have been approved for re-opening:

“Idiroko border post, Ogun State (South-West Zone);
“Jibiya border post, Katsina State (North-West Zone);
“Kamba border post, Kebbi State (North-West Zone; and
“Ikom border post, Cross River State (South-South zone).

“Consequently, all Customs formations and JBPTs are to take note and ensure that proper manning takes place in compliance with extant operational guidelines.”

It could be recalled that the Federal Government in August 2019, closed its land borders with neighbouring Benin, Cameroon, Chad and Niger Republic to halt smuggling of food items especially rice and also encourage local production to boost the country’s foreign exchange earnings.