Senator Adamu Aliero, representing Kebbi Central, has expressed concern over the prolonged closure of the land border between Nigeria and the Republic of Niger, citing significant economic damage to states bordering the affected areas. Aliero, a two-term governor of Kebbi State, voiced his dissatisfaction with the border closure, which was initiated following the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) directive.
During an interview on Arise Television on Tuesday, Aliero highlighted the adverse impact of the border closure on communities along the border, emphasizing that the people in these areas are bearing the brunt of the situation. He disclosed that federal lawmakers from the affected northern states had convened to urge the Federal Government to promptly reopen the border to facilitate normal business activities.
According to Aliero, a visit to the border would reveal numerous trucks stranded with goods from various countries due to the ECOWAS sanctions. He criticized the closure for causing disruptions, including a breach of the agreement with Niger regarding the dam supplying electricity to Nigeria. Aliero argued that the sanctions, particularly the border closure and cutting off electricity to Niger, were disproportionately affecting ordinary citizens rather than the intended impact on the military junta.
He also pointed out that some countries were not adhering to the ECOWAS sanctions imposed on Niger, questioning the effectiveness of these measures in achieving the desired outcomes. Aliero’s comments come in the context of ECOWAS imposing sanctions on Niger after a military coup overthrew the democratically elected president, leading to a ban on trade and the threat of military intervention to restore democracy in the region.
