The Nigerian Senate Tuesday, postponed the consideration of a motion calling for the reopening of the borders between Nigeria and Niger.
The Nigerian government had shut down all land borders with Niger Republic in August as part of sanctions against the military junta that ousted Niger President Mohamed Bazoum.
During Tuesday’s plenary, Senator Suleiman Kawu Sumaila (NNPP, Kano) highlighted the adverse impact of the border closure on economic activities in various border towns in states such as Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, Katsina, Jigawa, Yobe, and Borno.
He argued that the closure contradicts the constitutional provisions that guarantee the security and welfare of the people.
He, therefore, urged the federal government to reconsider reopening the borders between Nigeria and Niger to allow free movement of goods between the two countries.
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However, Senate President Godswill Akpabio said the Senate had resolved to back ECOWAS resolutions on the political situation in Niger Republic.
Recall that ECOWAS had announced wide ranging sanctions such as a ‘no-fly zone over Niger and an immediate closure of its borders to force the junta to relinquish power.
Akpabio said there was a need for the Senate to get a proper briefing from the military authorities before taking a position, saying the call for the reopening of the borders had security implications.
He, therefore, urged Senator Kawu to withdraw the motion.
The Kano lawmaker thereby withdrew the motion.