Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the reopening of four land borders in the country, but insisted that the ban placed on the importation of rice, poultry and other products remains and enforcement would be implemented by the border patrol team.
According to the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed, the approval was given at the Federal Executive Council meeting presided over by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Wednesday.
Ahmed said the borders to be reopened included Seme, South-West; Ilela, North-West; Maigatari, North-West/North-Central and Mfun, South-South.
“The president has approved the recommendation of a committee, which I chaired, with the ministers of Industry, Trade and Investment, Interior, Foreign Affairs, National Security Adviser, comptroller-general of Customs and comptroller-general of Immigration.
“This committee was mandated to review and advise the president on the opening of Nigeria’s land borders.
“The president has approved the reopening of four land borders, namely– Seme, South-West, Ilela, North West, Maigatari border in the North-West and North-Central and Mfum in the South-South.
“These four land borders will be opened immediately, while the remaining land borders are directed to be reopened on or before Dec. 31,” said the minister.
Buhari had in August 2019 ordered for the closure of the borders to curb smuggling of goods and weapons.
