President Muhammadu Buhari’s decision to reopen four of the nation’s land borders has sharply divided Nigerians.
Minister of Finance, Zainab Ahmed communicated the presidential directive in an interaction with newsmen shortly after Wednesday’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.
She identified the four borders that were to be immediately reopened as Seme border in South West, Maigatari and Ilela borders in North West, and Mfun border in South-South.
The minister noted that the restriction placed on the importation of some commodities like rice and poultry have not been lifted.
Reacting on social media, some Nigerians were divided on the timeliness of the border reopening.
Others maintained that the border closure had no positive impact, while some argued that it helped to check the importation of illegal arms into the country among other benefits.
Taking to Twitter, Daniel Regha wrote, “Reopening the land borders at the end of the year is pure wickedness; many entrepreneurs have spent millions since the borders were closed trying to ensure continuous trade.
“Why didn’t government reopen the borders then. Of what positive impact will this have? Pitiful.”
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Chigoziam Ona wrote, “So, can we look back and point out one particular problem border closure solved? Like, what did we achieve with the border closure as a country?”
Taking to Facebook, Asorire Baba Tee wrote, “With the insecurity on the ascendancy, what did the closure of these borders really achieve if not inflicting pains and economic hardship on d people?
“When borders were open farmers were able to farm in peace but Bubu closed borders to cut off arms proliferation into d country but the outcome is heightened insecurities that farmers were being beheaded in their farms.”
Ojisua Ovie James wrote, “This try your luck system of government Buhari is practicing is really not helping matters but rather making us pass through unnecessary hardship.”
Taiwo Oyebanji wrote, “I wonder what has changed since the day the border was closed, except for the untold hardships such inhuman wickedness meted on Nigerian populace.”
Engr Rabiu Bayonle Isiaka wrote, “Reopening the borders for what. Let him closed the borders till the end of his tenure.
“Shameless government with crude mind. What’s the result of all these years closure, you just suffer the masses unnecessarily.”
Ruwaifa Aliyu Haruna wrote, “Irrationality is what makes some unscrupulous elements to criticise this directive!
“You have been shouting that our borders should be opened so as to allow the inflow of foreign commodities into the country, and you are still criticising after your request has been granted!
“This approach you are following is not and will never be diplomatic!
“Forward your grievances to the ruling class in a manner that it will be answerable.
“Let’s be upright and change our attitudes both secretly and openly.
“Surely, God will bless us with the leaders that have humanity in their hearts.”