Nigeria
Nigeria, Niger and Benin have agreed to set up a monitoring committee to tackle smuggling after months of border closure.
Representatives of the joint anti-smuggling committee, including foreign ministers met in Abuja, Nigeria on Thursday to try to resolve the impasse.
“The patrol team is to agree on the modality to carry out its operation and recommend a date for the opening of the borders. The delegation of Benin and Niger appealed for the immediate re-opening of the Nigerian borders. In conclusion, the three (3) countries reaffirmed their commitment in enhancing economic integration”, said Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Geoffrey Onyeama.
The committee will comprise naval, customs, immigration and security officials from the three African nations.
A statement released after the meeting said, the three countries have agreed to meet later this month to recommend opening the borders.
In August, Africa’s largest economy shuts its borders with Niger and Benin to curb smuggling of rice and other commodities. The decision continues to take a toll on businesses in the affected countries.
AFP
01:00
Pix of the Day: July 16, 2025
00:52
Nigeria's former president Buhari laid to rest in his hometown of Daura
01:00
Pix of the Day: July 15, 2025
02:03
Muhammadu Buhari's legacy: higlight of his presidential tenure
01:11
World leaders express condolences over death of Nigerian ex-president Muhammadu Buhari
00:51
Nigerian ex-president Buhari dies at 82 in London