Border Closure: We’re Losing N13bn Weekly – Freight Forwarders

• The weekly loss due to the closure of the Lolo border is estimated at N13 billion, impacting trade and businesses
• AFFPON urges the Nigerian government to reopen the Lolo border, citing economic losses, delays, and disruptions in trade operations

The Federal Government’s closure of borders in Nigeria is causing a staggering weekly loss of N13 billion, according to the Association of Freight Forwarding Practitioners of Nigeria (AFFPON).

Addressing the media at a joint forum for freight forwarders and importers, AFFPON President Miftahu Ya’u urged the government to reopen the Lolo border in Kebbi State, connecting Nigeria and Benin Republic.

Ya’u painted a grim picture, stating, “The Lolo border situation is dire. Truck drivers endure sleeping on bare floors, facing snake attacks, and falling ill due to harsh conditions. The border closure negatively impacts freight forwarding, import, and export sectors, resulting in delays, increased costs, and trade disruptions.”

He continued, “The Arewa Economic Forum reports that northern Nigerian businesses lose an estimated N13 billion weekly due to the border closure, affecting trade, farms, and market operations.”

The appeal stems from complaints by border-operating freight forwarders and importers regarding the government’s closure policy on all Nigerian and Nigerien borders, enforcing the ECOWAS embargo on Niger Republic post-military takeover.

Affirming AFFPON’s support for the government’s actions, Ya’u clarified, “Our association respects the closure of Nigeria/Niger borders but urges the government to provide alternative routes. This will enable the entry of thousands of containers stranded outside our borders.”

Highlighting closed routes to Benin Republic, like the Lolo border along Maje/Illo axis in Kebbi State, Ya’u emphasized the need for accessible alternatives. He stressed that these alternative routes could facilitate the smooth entry of thousands of containers into the country, easing the economic strain caused by the border closures.