The Public Relations Officer for the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA), Joseph Paddy says the Nigerian government has to temporarily open its borders to enable stranded Ghanaian traders to clear their goods at the border.
According to the Association, some of its members are facing challenges in Nigeria as a result of the border closure.
Nigerian President Mahamudu Buhari in August ordered a partial closure of their border with Benin to check the smuggling of cheap goods and in some cases weapons into Nigeria.
READ ALSO: Official: Nigeria extends border closure to January 2020
Mr Paddy speaking to Citi News said that Ghanaian traders will explore other countries to transact their businesses after their request has been granted.
“Give us some leeway; week or two or three. Let’s clear those goods that are stuck there [at the border]. Go and look at the way the drivers are suffering there. It’s a serious challenge. It’s difficult for them to come and go in. So let’s give that leeway with strict security alert and for that duration, when you are done you can close it for perpetuity so that Ghanaians will look elsewhere for their trading activities and businesses,†he stated.
Background
Nigeria closed its frontiers in what it says is to stop the smuggling of products from its neighboring West African countries into Nigeria.
The action taken by Nigeria was to express its displeasure at the attitude of the Beninese authorities in order to elicit their cooperation.
The closure of the borders which started in August 2019 was expected to be in force for twenty-eight (28) days, however, it looks like the issues remain unresolved thus the continuous closure.
READ ALSO: Border closure: Nigerian govt allows products from Ghana for Trade Fair
Many trucks have been stranded at the Seme border for several weeks now.
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