Ibrahim Yahaya Dandakata, president of the Arewa Economic Forum, said in a statement that the economic consequences of closing the borders between Nigeria and Niger have become unbearable for traders.

Noting that the border closure caused a loss of $16.9 million to the country’s economy in one week, Dandakata said, “Trade between the two countries is often informal, especially in perishable goods. The consequences of the decision to close all borders were enormous. Further border closure will harm the ongoing massive trade between these two countries.” he used his statements.

Dandakata called on the government to open the borders to allow traders to bring and transport goods into the country. The Nigerian government closed all its borders with Niger, where the military seized power, on August 4.

COUP IN NIGER

In Niger, President Mohammed Bazum was detained by members of the Presidential Guard Regiment on July 26, and that night the military announced that it had seized power.

General Abdurrahmane Tchiani, commander of the Presidential Guard Regiment, took over the leadership of the junta of the National Council for the Protection of the Fatherland (CNSP) on July 28 and became head of the transitional government.

The CNSP appointed Lamine Zeine as prime minister on August 7 and announced the 21-member cabinet on August 10, made up of soldiers and civilians. (AA)