Seme Border Reopens For Business, Rice Import Ban Still Holds

Seme border reopens after government order, sources say.

The Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs Zainab Ahmed had disclosed the reopening of four land borders as approved by the Federal Government.

She said that – Seme, Illela, Maitagari, Mfun borders – were cleared to reopen and sources say that Seme is operational again.

According to the minister, other borders will reopen in two weeks, at the end of December.

Land borders reopen for business in Nigeria

According to the minister, reopening the borders will help facility commerce, generate more revenue for Nigeria as it works towards exiting recession.

These borders – South-west, North-west and South-south respectively – are central trade doors for Nigeria and other countries in Africa.

The announcement by the minister also clarified questions about on importation ban. The FG still holds its ban on the importation of rice, poultry, other items earlier banned the minister tells journalists.

Land borders also play a role in the transportation of weapons into Nigeria, the president had said.

It ordered border closure right after the African Continental Free Trade Area agreement (AfCTA) backing it with the fact that food importation is responsible for the slow growth in local farming.

The attempt at food security and campaign that local products be utilized more in the country has not been successful as demand began to surpass production volume. Food – 18.30% – was at the top of Nigeria’s inflation in November – 14.89% (+0.66% from one month ago).

With these challenges which it faced trying to promote local farm produce, the presidency ordered the reopening of these borders.