Despite the outcry on the closure of Nigeria’s borders, the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Governor, Godwin Emefiele, on Monday listed the conditions that could be met before the borders are re-opened. The CBN Governor said Nigeria’s land borders would remain closed until neighbouring countries agree to implement mutual anti-smuggling policies.

Speaking to State House correspondents after meeting behind closed doors with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja before the President departed to Saudi Arabia, the CBN boss said that the border closure hs reduced smuggling and improved rice production in the country.

The Republic of Niger Republic in the northern border and the Benin Republic to the west, are two countries noted as having several smuggling routes into Nigeria.

The borders were closed last month. According to Emefiele, apart from the reduction in rice smuggling, poultry farmers have particularly benefitted immensely from the border closure as they have been able to sell off accumulated produce, hitherto hindered by illegal importation.

 He said the situation had been undermining Nigeria’s economy and that the Federal Government was therefore resolute in keeping the borders closed until engagements are concluded with Nigeria’s neighbours to have them stop using their ports as launch pads for smuggling item into the country