The 28-month long closure of ldiroko border in Ogun and three other borders came to an end on Friday as President Muhammadu Buhari ordered their reopening with immediate effect.
Others are Jibiya border post in Katsina State, Kamba border post in Kebbi State, and IKon border post in Cross River State.
Persecondnews recalls that the land borders August of 2019 as part of a policy geared towards stemming the smuggling of illegal arms, food and agricultural products to stimulate local production.
Criticisms had trailed the closure of the land borders which the government ignored.
According to a circular released on Friday by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), which was signed by the Deputy Comptroller General of Customs, E.I Edorhe on behalf of the Customs CG, the circular stated that Idiroko, Jibiya, Kamba and Ikon borders should be re-opened with immediate effect.
“The circular titled: ‘Re-opening of four additional Nigerian border posts’ which was obtained by Persecondnews, states: “Sequel to the Presidential directive dated 16th December 2020, granting approval for phased Re-opening of land borders namely Mfun, Seme, Illela, and Maigatari borders across the country, I am directed to inform you that four additional borders listed below have been approved for re-opening.
“The newly approved borders for Re-opening are Idiroko border post in Ogun State, Jibiya border post in Katsina State, Kamba border post in Kebbi State, and IKon border post in Cross River State.
“Consequently, all Customs formation and Joint Border Posts are to take note and ensure that proper manning takes place in compliance with extant operational guidelines.
“Above is forwarded for your information and compliance.”
The country’s four major land borders — Seme, Illela, Maigatari and Mfun — were in January 2021 reopened on the orders of the president.
The action was believed to be in readiness for the operationalisation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) which is scheduled for January 1 2021.
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