Nigerian govt working with neighbouring countries on reopening of borders – Osinbajo

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo said on Sunday the Federal Government was working towards the reopening of Nigeria’s land borders.

Osinbajo, who disclosed this at a webinar organized by The Africa Report, added that the government was working with neighbouring countries on the matter.

President Muhammadu Buhari had in October 2019 ordered the full closure of Nigeria’s land borders in a bid to check smuggling in the areas.

Osinbajo said: “We are working with our neighbours to see on what terms we would reopen those borders. At the moment, we are undertaking joint border patrols to control smuggling along the borders. We think the agreement is working and I am sure that soon we should have the borders opened.

“We are committed to the AfCFTA. But we are concerned about threats to security and the economy and we had to take certain actions that would satisfy the immediate needs of our country. The border closure certainly wasn’t meant to be permanent and we are looking forward to reopening as quickly as possible.”