Continued border closure, Nigeria’s security laxity- NAFFAC

The Nigerian Association of Air Freight Forwarders and Consolidators (NAFFAC), has described the continued closure of the border as a sign of laxity on the part of security agencies manning the frontiers.

President General of NAFFAC, Prince Adeyinka Bakare said that neighbouring countries in the sub region would also come up with their own counter plan, which in turn may have negative effect on Nigerian economy in the nearest future.

He gave the stance of the association in a chat with newsmen in Lagos at the weekend.

Bakare maintained that the nation’s seaports have failed to compete with other neighbouring ports in the sub region and would possibly favour landlocked countries if drastic actions are not taken.

He called on security agencies to harp on information gathering and sharing to rid miscreants and other negative elements within the border communities rather than shut down the extreme part of the country.

The NAFFAC boss noted that government in her wisdom should embark on massive infrastructure reforms to boost and encourage international trade , adding that lack of conducive working environment still remains major challenge confronting port businesses.

According to him, Nigeria has failed to take the advantage of her maritime resources to make and create wealth from landlocked countries in the region.

He said, “On the issue of border closure by the government; we made it clear that the decision is not the best option for Nigeria economy.

“Its a sign that our security system is not up to date because if you close the border for ten years or there about, no doubt the neighbouring countries will feel the pain initially but I can tell you that they will work out modalities to come up with plan B.

“And at the end would boomerang against Nigeria economy. Mind you also , as we export commodities to countries like Ghana so also Benin Republic export items to Ghana and Nigeria.

“Therefore the bilateral between these countries in the sub region might abandon Nigeria and seek other alternatives or option to remain in business and international trade,” he submitted.