Border Closure Between Nigeria and Niger Causes Widespread Hardship

• Extended Nigeria-Niger border closure, linked to the Niger coup, disrupts trade, causing financial losses and economic hardship for border residents
• Security challenges and unofficial trade methods compound difficulties, raising concerns about worsening conditions and poverty in border communities

The extended closure of the border between Nigeria and Niger due to sanctions linked to the July coup in Niger has significantly impacted the lives of people living near the border.

The border closure has disrupted trade between the two countries and has resulted in economic challenges for residents in the border region, particularly in Sokoto, Katsina, and Jigawa states.

Small business owners have reported significant financial losses, with some struggling to make sales, leading to depleted capital reserves and business closures. The closure has also caused an increase in the price of locally processed rice, contributing to the economic difficulties faced by the local population.

The chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers in Katsina State noted that people no longer travel as they used to, affecting their ability to provide for their families.

Insecurity is an additional challenge faced by residents in the border region, with the activities of bandits and terrorists further exacerbating their difficulties.

People in border communities have resorted to unofficial means of conducting business transactions between the two countries, such as transporting goods on motorcycles through ranches.

Economists and public affairs analysts have expressed concerns about the deteriorating conditions in these border communities and the potential long-term impact on the Nigerian economy.

The continuous border closure pushes border communities further into poverty and despair, creating a dire situation for residents in the affected areas.

Obiageli Ezekwesili Calls for African Unity and Leadership Change

Obiageli Ezekwesili, Nigeria’s former Minister of Education, has emphasized the importance of African unity and the need to change leadership styles on the continent. She made these remarks during the third graduation of the School of Politics, Policy, and Governance in Abuja.

Ezekwesili noted that leadership remains a fundamental challenge in Africa and that if the continent can address this leadership anomaly, it will be better poised to claim the 21st century. She further stressed that Africa’s primary issue is poor public leadership, which the continent has acknowledged.

The School of Politics, Policy, and Governance (SPPG), founded by Ezekwesili, was established to groom leaders with integrity who can bring about positive change in the political and business sectors. She urged the graduates to uphold the values of character, competence, and capacity. She warned that their certificates could be revoked if they fell short in character or competence while serving in public office.