The Niger Republic government has opened its Konni border for operations.
This occurred one week after the Nigeria Customs Service authorities opened the Illela land border between Nigeria and Niger.
Nuhu Samaila, a source from Konni in Niger, confirmed the opening, stating it occurred at 12pm on Friday.
He praised the country’s leadership, the military junta, for responding to the people’s pleas by opening the border.
“The government’s action is commendable, finally addressing the need,” he said.
“Our collective hope was for this border to reopen after Nigeria’s side opened.
“I believe this will significantly boost both countries’ economies by increasing trade between Nigeria and Niger,” he added.
READ ALSO: JUST IN: Tinubu Orders Reopening of Land, Air Borders With Niger Republic
Following President Bola Tinubu’s directive to open Nigeria’s land and air borders with Niger, the Nigerian government restored Niger’s electricity supply last Wednesday.
Previously, in August, ECOWAS, under Tinubu, sanctioned Niger after a coup ousted President-elect Mohamed Bazoum in July 2023. On July 26, 2023, the Niger Presidential Guard detained Bazoum, declaring his deposition.
ECOWAS leaders called for Niger’s constitutional order restoration and labeled Bazoum’s arrest and detention unlawful.
Following the President’s directive, Nigeria Customs Service Kebbi State command’s Controller, Iheanacho Ojike, reopened the Kamba land border.
Ojike noted Kamba’s importance as a strategic border and significant revenue contributor for Kebbi State upon reopening.
