The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced the closure of all land borders linking Nigeria with the Niger Republic due to the recent coup in that country.
Acting Controller -General, Bashir Adewale, made this known on Friday during a visit to the Jibia border in Katsina.
Adewale said the decision for the total closure of the borders was to comply with the Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS)’s directive to suspend the movement of cargo until further notice.
According to him,as part of measures to ensure 100 per cent compliance, they will sensitise the border communities on the development.
Adewale said the decision was taken in the interest of peace and stability between Nigeria and Niger adding that he had visited the Deputy Governor of Katsina state on the issue of the sensitisation.
The Economic Community of West African States ECOWAS, had last Sunday rolled out sanctions against the coupists in Niger Republic. They included the declaration of a No – fly zone , cut off energy supply, suspension of financial services and a military action if they failed to abide by ECOWAS demands.
Nigeria a few days ago cut off electricity supply to Niger to teach the coup plotters a lesson. The effect of the power outage in Niger ,current matters gathered is serious and crippling the essence of business and livelihood in the coup – torn country said to be one of the poorest in the ECOWAS community of states.
As a result of poverty induced hardship in the country, and ease to cross the border into Nigeria for greener pastures, many citizens of Niger have criss-crossed the length and breadth of Nigeria and presently engaged in menial jobs to eke out a living.
