Our neighbours must agree to tackle smuggling says CBN Emefiele
The Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, after meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari in Aso Rock on Monday, said the nation’s land borders would remain closed until neighbouring countries agree to implement mutual anti-smuggling policy.
According to Punch news, Niger Republic in the northern border and Benin Republic in the South-West, are two countries known for having smuggling routes into Nigeria.
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The Federal Government had closed the borders last month.
Emefiele told State House correspondents after the closed-door meeting that Nigerian rice and poultry farmers were particularly benefitting from the border closure.
He said they had been able to sell off accumulated produce, hitherto hindered by illegal importation and smuggling of the items into the country.
The CBN governor said the situation had been undermining the Nigerian economy, adding that the Federal Government was therefore resolute in keeping the borders closed until Niger and Benin Republic stopped using their ports as launch pads for smuggling items into the country.
The Federal Government had closed the borders last month.
Emefiele told State House correspondents after the closed-door meeting that Nigerian rice and poultry farmers were particularly benefitting from the border closure.
He said they had been able to sell off accumulated produce, hitherto hindered by illegal importation and smuggling of the items into the country.
The CBN governor said the situation had been undermining the Nigerian economy, adding that the Federal Government was therefore resolute in keeping the borders closed until Niger and Benin Republic stopped using their ports as launch pads for smuggling items into the country.
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