Regional integration. Surprise, disappointment, helplessness. The eastern giant has locked its borders since the
night of Tuesday August 20. Users of the Cotonou-Lagos axis will make the bitter observation at dawn on Wednesday.
A long queue at the Sèmè-Kraké border and the news quickly spread: ''Nigeria has closed its
borders''. But the Director of Commerce, Jean Bernard Favi will rectify the language on National Radio
(Ortb) during the day. “Nigeria has not closed its borders. We are talking about locking or banning
strict control of contraband products such as rice, used vehicles and other products that are
products banned from entry by Nigeria…”, he explained.
According to him, the country of Mahamadou Issoufou has implemented a policy to develop the production
local, and no longer wants certain products to enter its territory. “While there are some of these
products that are re-exported to Nigeria. The border is therefore not closed, but rather a measure
to secure more…”, declared Jean Bernard Favi.
Thus, around forty products re-exported from Benin will no longer be able to cross the Nigerian border.
This revives the debate on dependence vis-à-vis the Eastern giant, but above all on the need
to increase domestic production.
Why only Benin and Niger?
Nigeria is a country bordered to the east by Cameroon and Chad while the west is bound by Benin, and the
north by the Niger. However, only Benin and Niger are very often victims of this policy.
protectionist of the Nigerian economy, which remains a great power on the continent. Hence more
interest for these two countries to rethink not only their policy, but also to respect the agreements of
cooperation with the giant. Otherwise, the Sword of Damocles does not warn. Anyway, with regard to the
Benin, the colors were announced since June 08, 2019.
During the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Growth Consultative Roundtable in Lagos, the
billionaire Nigerian businessman Aliko Dangote said: "What kills us the most is the
smuggling. Contraband is what really killed most of our politicians. No country can
survive with a neighbor like the Republic of Benin. Their main job is to facilitate smuggling.”
The lockdown decision should therefore come as no surprise. Free trade okay, but responsibility
first of all. While Benin cannot rigorously respect the terms of trade, Nigeria has rightly taken
his responsibilities. This is what great states are. Benin and Niger should go to this school.

>