Katsina borders with Niger Republic remain closed

Nigeria’s borders with the Niger Republic in Kongolam and Babban Mutun areas of Katsina State have remained closed amid complaints from residents that the closure continues to affect legitimate commercial activities.

The borders were closed in August 2019 by the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari as part of measures to curb smuggling and boost domestic production.

The federal government had claimed that Nigeria’s land borders were open in response to the pledge by the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, if elected in 2027.

Atiku, while addressing supporters in a viral video on Friday, said reopening the borders would revive transborder trade, create economic opportunities for young Nigerians and improve security by restoring livelihoods disrupted by border restrictions.

But the Presidency countered Atiku, saying the government had reopened the country’s land borders since March 14, 2024.

Findings by Daily Trust revealed that though several borders are open, some, including Kongolam and Babban Mutun, have remained closed since 2019.

Residents said the situation had continued to affect legitimate trade. Malam Muhammad from Kongolam said he was surprised that the Presidency implied that all the country’s borders are open.

“That is not true because our border has remained closed since 2019. Only immigration opens it for people to pass, but Customs has not opened the border for commercial activities. This is seriously affecting commercial activities in our area, and many businesses have shut down,” he said.

Residents also complained about multiple checkpoints along the Daura-Kongolam road, alleging that traders and transporters are subjected to extortion.

Muhammad said there were about 26 checkpoints between Daura and Kongolam, a distance of about 19 kilometres.

“From Daura to Kongolam, there are about 26 checkpoints manned by the police, immigration and customs. These operatives extort our people and that is why transport fares and the prices of goods are high here,” a resident alleged.

The Chairman of the Kongolam Border Community Forum, Malam Anwar Lawali, said the checkpoints had further discouraged traders from patronising the area.

“This is scaring people away from the market because of extortion. Traders coming from Niger Republic with donkey carts and trucks no longer patronise the market because of the border closure,” he said.

He said the Mai’adua international market, which previously attracted traders from both countries, was also suffering from the decline in cross-border activities.

The residents appealed to the Federal Government to reopen the Kongolam and Babban Mutun borders for legitimate commercial activities and reduce the number of checkpoints along the Daura-Kongolam route.

They said reopening the borders would revive cross-border trade, restore patronage to local markets and create employment opportunities for youths.