The Urgent Need to Reopen Borders Between Niger and Nigeria
The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), a prominent group representing the interests of the North in Nigeria, has issued a strong advocacy for the reopening of the Nigerien and Nigerian borders. This call to action is directed towards the Nigerian authorities and members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in order to facilitate the resumption of economic activities between the two countries.
In a statement released by the National Publicity Secretary of ACF, Professor Tukur Muhammad Baba, the detrimental effects of the continued closure of the borders were highlighted. It has been noted that the closure has significantly impacted various small-scale businesses in both countries, particularly in the areas of food supply, medicine, petrol, and electricity.
The statement also brought attention to the ongoing regime of economic sanctions, along with the threat of military intervention, that has been maintained by Nigeria and other ECOWAS member countries towards the military regime in Niger. This action has been taken in response to the military coup that took place in Niger in June 2023.
The ACF expressed its condemnation of any change of government through non-constitutional means and emphasized the importance of upholding bilateral and multilateral agreements, particularly within ECOWAS. However, the forum stressed the need for pragmatism and circumspection, asserting that the imposition of sanctions and the threat of military intervention against the Nigerien military regime were ill-conceived.
The historical, socio-cultural, economic, and political ties between Nigeria and Niger were also underscored by the ACF. These ties have long been established and are deeply rooted, predating European colonialism and the arbitrary boundaries imposed between the two nations. It was pointed out that several communities along the Nigeria-Niger border share intertwined relationships, and the closure of borders has had a severe impact on their economic lifelines.
Moreover, ACF brought attention to the humanitarian consequences of the border closure, citing reports from UN agencies that have highlighted dire living conditions for vulnerable populations in Niger. The sanctions imposed on food, medicine, and electricity were described as collective punishment for the most vulnerable people in Niger.
The negative implications of the border closure were also highlighted, with specific mention of the withdrawal of Nigerien troops from the Multi-National Joint Task Force fighting Boko Haram terrorists in northeast Nigeria, as well as the economic hardship faced by border communities in both countries.
In light of these pressing issues, ACF has joined a collective call for the reopening of the Nigeria-Niger border and the restoration of essential supplies to the vulnerable populations of the Niger Republic.
As the situation demands urgent attention and a reconsideration of the relationship between Nigeria and Niger for the mutual benefit of both countries, the Arewa Consultative Forum has made a compelling case for the reopening of borders and the alleviation of the hardships faced by the people of Niger. This appeal serves as a reminder of the critical need to prioritize diplomatic, economic, and humanitarian considerations in navigating regional relations.
I trust that this article has provided you with a clearer understanding of the current state of affairs between Nigeria and Niger, and the urgency of addressing the situation for the benefit of both nations. Thank you for taking the time to read this post.
