Nigeria’s aspiration to recover transit cargoes lost to neighboring countries and establish itself as the transit hub of West Africa could face challenges due to the recent decision by the Federal Government to close its border with Niger Republic. The border closure was officially announced in response to a recent coup d’état in Niger.
In addition to the border closure, the Nigerian government has directed its Customs agency to halt all transit cargoes bound for Niger Republic through land borders and seaports across the country. The Acting Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adeniyi Adewale, stated that this strategy is in the best interests of both nations.
The closure of the border and the suspension of transit cargoes may have economic implications for businesses around the border communities. While some experts suggest that the government should have increased security measures to monitor border activities, others acknowledge that the security situation in Niger warranted the decision.
Lucky Amiwero, the National President of the National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents (NCMDLCA), noted that Nigeria had already been removed from the list of transit nations. He highlighted the complexity of negotiating transit agreements and emphasized that the transition to a transit hub involves more than rhetoric; it requires addressing logistical challenges and adopting advanced transit systems.
The border closure’s impact on Nigeria’s ambition to become a transit hub and consolidate its role in regional trade will likely depend on the duration of the closure and subsequent negotiations between the two countries.