Nigerian Northern traders lose N13bn weekly to border closure

By Babagana Jidda Kanempress
14th August 2023

Nigerian Northern traders have decried the loss of N13 billion weekly in revenue owing to the closure of borders in the region over the Niger coup.

This is according to the chairman of the Arewa Economic Forum, Ibrahim Dandakata on Sunday.

Dandakata puts the informal trading in livestock and food items within seven Northern states bordering Niger at the worth of N177 billion.

He said the closure of the borders in the Northern region had substantial economic impacts on the livelihood of Nigerians.

Dandakata urged the Nigerian government to open the maje-illo border in Kebbi state to allow traders to bring in goods to the country.

“Since the order by the President to close all the borders with the Niger Republic following the announcement of the coup, the consequences have been enormous. Northern traders lose N13bn weekly,” Ibrahim Dandakata said.

As part of the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, resolutions over the refusal of the Niger military junta to restore democracy, it imposed economic sanctions on the country, including land borders closure.