Due to the region’s borders being closed because of the coup in Niger, northern businessmen have lamented the loss of N13 billion in weekly revenue.
The Arewa Economic Forum’s chairman, Ibrahim Dandakata, said this on Sunday.
He estimates that N177 billion is exchanged in clandestine cattle and grain trade among the seven Northern states that border Niger.
He claimed that the closure of the Northern region’s borders has a significant negative economic impact on Nigerians’ quality of life.
Dandakata requested the federal government to permit traders to enter the nation by opening the maje-illo border in Kebbi.
“The implications have been significant ever since the President ordered that all crossings with the Niger Republic be shut after the coup proclamation.
“Northern traders lose N13 billion each week,” he added.
Platinum Times recounts that as part of ECOWAS decisions about the Niger military junta’s reluctance to reestablish democracy, members put economic sanctions on the nation, including the closing of land borders.