We are not opening Idiroko border – Customs

The Nigeria Customs Service said the Idiroko international border in Ipokia Local Government Area of Ogun State remains closed.

Idiroko international border links Nigeria to Benin Republic through Igolo. This is despite President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration’s directive that all borders be opened for inter country business transactions.

Nigerian Government has closed its borders since two years ago, citing, illegal importation of light weapons which the Idiroko border used to be a beehive of activities.

There were reports that the area has since become desolate, dry and deserted, having negative effects on people whose livelihoods depend on activities at the border.

President Buhari on December 16, ordered reopening of the four land borders with Idiroko which is popular for commercial activities among them, but as at 14th January, 2020, Idiroko still remained under lock and key.

Reacting to enquiries amid agitation of the border users, the spokesman of the NCS in Ogun State, Ahmed Oloyede said the border has not been reopened.

Oloyede said the command has not received any directive from its headquarters to reopen the borders in Ogun.

He stressed that there has not been any approval for the movement of goods across the Ogun border.

“There is no directive from our headquarters suggesting the reopening of the border.

“For now, you cannot see any movement in and out, and if that doesn’t happen, under customs control, the borders still remain shut,” Oloyede told Newsmen.