Stakeholders express divergent views over FG’s exemption of Dangote, BUA from border closure 

While some condemned the decision outrightly, some stakeholders also believe is the beginning of good things to come.

Recall that the federal government had shut down the borders against neighbouring countries in the sub region for over a year;  a situation that has stirred mixed reactions among businessmen and investors across the country.

In a chat with our correspondent,  Otunba Frank Ogunojemite, National President of Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria (APFFLON) described the opening of the border to only two business owners among myriad of business concerns in Nigeria as unfair.

According to him, the development will lead to monopoly rather than balance of economic development

He therefore called on the federal government to approve all importers and exporters to carry out their trades.

“This is very unfair in well structured economy. This will create monopoly raither than to balance development of economy. All  the approved importers and exporters should be allowed.

“The issues of man know man should be stopped in order to encourage the development of general economies of the country.

Otunba Ogunojemite expressed disgust over why the border post was allegedly deserted during the #EndSARS protest.

“Even I can’t just understand the essence of the border closure when mostly all the government agencies vacated borders post and the smugglers  just flooded the countries with their stuffs during the #NNDSARS protest.

On his part, Western Zone  Coordinator of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) 100% Compliance team, Dr Fred Ajuzie  said that exemption of Dangote and BUA Groups from land border closure is a pointer to gradual reopening of land borders in Nigeria.

Ajuzie said in a chat with newsmen  that the hues generated as a result of the development may not be necessary as the federal government may be using the two conglomerates as testing ground for reopening of the borders.

The former Apapa chapter chairman of NAGAFF however commended the innovation by the Buhari-led administration, noting that more conglomerates may be considered in few weeks to come.

He noted that the government actions should not be adduced to tribal or political reasons.

According to him, Dangote and BUA Groups deserved the exemption, following their contribution to nation building and economy sustainability.

His words, “This is not about sentiment because what government has done now is that they are about to reopen the borders.

“I think the government is listening to the masses and they are about to reopen the borders. The case of Dangote and BUA is phase one of the process.

“Very soon we witness phase 2 and 3 because the government cannot come out to allow everybody to use the border and I believe it is going to be in batches.

“The borders were closed for some particular reasons which include massive smuggling of rice, cars, PMS and even small arms therefore it won’t be wise to pronounce reopening of the  border to everybody at once.”