Northern Traders Bemoan Weekly Loss of N13 Billion Due to Border Closure

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.

Ibrahim Dandakata, the chairman of the Arewa Economic Forum, disclosed this on Sunday.

According to him, informal trading in livestock and food items within seven Northern states bordering Niger is worth 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 federal government to open the maje-illo border in Kebbi to allow traders to bring 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,” he said.

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