The federal government has been called upon not to hasten to reopen borders as a result of the benefit accruing to the Nigerian economy after the closure.
Academicians invited to speak at the Third Monthly Policy Roundtable organised by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Policy Development and Analysis for the month of January were unanimous that the border closure had improved security by curtailing illegal importation of small arms and ammunition.
Report of the roundtable discussion with the theme: ‘Analysing the benefits of border closure and visa on arrival policies’ released weekend by the Senior Special Assistant to the President, Ibrahim Bapetel Hassan, stated that discussants agreed that when government decides to reopen the borders fully, food items such as rice and poultry products should remain banned.
The report also recommended that infrastructure at all points of entry should be enhanced and their operational efficiency guaranteed. In addition, Nigeria should embark on effective data gathering, procession and analysis with respect to all immigration issues.
Other recommendations include the need for Nigeria to faithfully implement the visa arrival policy for Africans as a key component of African integration and ease of doing business.
Setting the tone for discussion, Professor N.M. Yauri noted that the partial closure of the land borders and visa –on- arrival policy, despite some misgivings, are very good policies meant to achieve development for the nation. He pointed out that there were fears over job loss to foreign companies dumping goods on Nigeria.
In his contribution, Professor M. Z. Umar contended that the policies are sound and good, but cautioned that the implementation must proceed with strict supervision to achieve the desired result. He said while borders are closed, goods were still coming in and government needed to wake up to its responsibilities of ensuring compliance with extant laws.
Also contributing, Professor H. M. Malami stated that there was no border closure but the implementation of border operation laws of Nigeria. He added that typologies of the laws should be explained because business tycoons don’t really know or understand the laws. He said registered companies benefit more from exchange rate, insurance and tax. He identified China as one country that successfully implemented a beneficiary border closure policy.
On his part, Dr. T. K. Baba stated that the policies are in defense Africa adding that it should be positively impactful and the country needed to be at alert in order to defend its territory.
Mr. Bapetel Hassan said recommendations at the dialogue would be channeled to the appropriate quarters for further necessary actions.
