Don advises FG not to open borders until its neighbours comply with bilateral trade agreements

An Economist, Prof AbdulGafar ljaiya has advised the Federal Government not to open Nigeria’s land borders until its neighbors comply with protocols relating to bilateral trade agreement.

In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Ilorin, Ijaiya, the professor of Economics at the University of llorin, said that goods from China, United Kingdom and other countries found their way into Nigeria that were not in conformity with bilateral trade agreement.

He said the situation was responsible for consumption of expired rice, drugs and other consumables, which were injurious to the well-being of the populace in the country.

“The nation’s borders should remain closed until bilateral trade agreements are abided with, so as to safeguard the health of the nation,” the don said.

Ijaiya advised Nigerian importers to always make use of the country’s sea ports and airports as a way of improving the nation’s revenue and to guide against importing contraband and expired items.

The don said that the closure of the borders had stimulated the country’s economy as many more Nigerians now patronise made in Nigeria products.

Ijaiya urged the customs, immigration, Nigerian Ports Authority, and other relevant government agencies to rise up to their responsibilities and fight smuggling and allow the border closure yield positive effect. (NAN)