Posted by A motion to reopen the border between Nigeria and Niger has been put on hold by the Senate.
The Nigerian government reportedly cut off power and closed all borders with the Niger Republic in August after the collapse of the country’s civilian administration, as reported by BANKPAWA
The economic situation in many border towns, including those in Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, Kebbi, Jigawa, Borno, and Yobe states, has worsened due to the border closure, Senator Suleiman Kawu Sumaila (NNPP, Kano) said in a motion at Tuesday’s plenary.
According to Sumaila, “the closure runs contrary to the provisions of the Nigeria constitution that guarantees the security and welfare of the citizens.” He then urged the Federal Government to consider reopening the borders.
As for the political situation in Niger Republic, Senate President Godswill Akpabio said the Red Chamber had determined to support ECOWAS resolutions.
Therefore, Akpabio persuaded Senator Sumaila to withdraw the resolution, citing security concerns associated with reopening the borders.
The congressman from Kano dropped the bill as a result.