The federal government says there
is no date yet for reopening of the country’s land borders which were closed in
August.
President Muhammadu Buhari had
subsequently said the borders were close to prevent smuggling of banned items.
Speaking with journalists on
Monday, Mariam Katagum, minister of state for industry, trade and investment,
explained that a date for the borders to be reopened would be fixed after until
a joint patrol team setup by Nigeria and its neighbours submits its
recommendations.
Katagum said the joint team is
made up of customs, air force and other security agencies of the countries.
The minister said the
recommendations of the team would tell if Benin Republic and Niger Republic
have complied with trade protocols of Economic Community of West African States
(ECOWAS).
“We had the strategic meeting
with the three countries and what we agreed with our neighbors is to activate a
joint border patrol and that border patrol comprising the customs, all the
security agencies and ensure to try to follow the actual protocol laid by
ECOWAS,” she said.
“The committee met on November 25
and it is only when that committee is certain that all the countries are
respecting the ECOWAS protocol that they will recommend a day for the opening
of the border.”
On his part, Richard Adebayo,
minister of industry trade and investment, said the country’s automotive policy
is being reviewed.
Adebayo said January 28 has been
fixed to get the input of auto stakeholders.
The minister said a bill will be
sent to the national assembly for the policy to become law.
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