The Acting Comptroller General of the Nigerian Customs Service, Wale Adeniyi, clarified that not all borders in the country have been reopened. He stated that a thorough review process is currently underway to determine which borders can be reopened based on specific criteria.
Adeniyi made this clarification during an interaction with State House Correspondents after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa. He highlighted that while selected strategic borders were reopened in 2022, the review process is ongoing to assess the objectives of the border closure.
In an effort to enhance border security and promote regional integration, Adeniyi revealed plans to visit the Republic of Benin to engage in discussions with their customs administration. The aim of these discussions is to foster collaboration, address border security concerns, facilitate importation across the border, and explore technological solutions to complex border challenges.
Adeniyi emphasized that the borders are not yet fully reopened and that the status quo ante still exists. He mentioned that six borders have been reopened so far, with four initially reopened and two more added subsequently. He assured that when the borders are eventually reopened, it will be officially announced and not subject to rumors.
Regarding the issue of fuel smuggling despite the removal of fuel subsidies, Adeniyi acknowledged that complete eradication may take time. He noted that while some fuel seizures have been reported in border areas, the rate of smuggling has considerably reduced. Adeniyi expressed optimism that ongoing policies being implemented by the current administration would eventually eliminate fuel smuggling across borders.