Border Closure Not Best Option For Nigeria Economy…..NAFFAC

By Roland Ekama, Lagos

Worried by the continued closure of land borders across the country, the Nigerian Association of Air Freight Forwarders and Consolidators (NAFFAC), has described the action as a sign of laxity on the part of security agencies manning the frontiers.

President General of NAFFAC, Prince Adeyinka Bakare while speaking on the development, reiterated that neighbouring countries in the sub region would also come up with their own plan B, which may affect Nigeria economy negatively in the nearest future.

Bakare maintained that the nation’s seaports have failed to compete with other neighboring ports in the sub region and would possibly favour landlock countries if drastic actions are not taken.

He called on security agencies to harp on information sharing and gathering to rid miscreants and other negative elements within the border communities rather than shutdown the extreme part of the country.

The NAFFAC boss noted that government in her wisdom should embark on massive infrastructure reforms to boost and encourage international trade , adding that lack of conducive working environment still remain major challenges confronting port businesses.

According to him, Nigeria has failed to take advantage of her maritime resources to make and create wealth from landlock countries in the region.

He said: “On the issue of border closure by the government; we made it clear that the decision is not the best option for Nigeria economy.

‘Its a sign that our security system is not up to date because if you close the border for ten years or there about , no doubt the neighbouring countries will feel the pain initially but I can tell you that they will work out modalities to come up with plan B.

“And at the end would boomerang against Nigeria economy. Mind you also , as we export commodities to countries like Ghana so also Benin Republic export items to Ghana and Nigeria.

“Therefore the bilateral between these countries in the sub region might abandon Nigeria and seek other alternatives or option to remain in business and international trade .