Cotonou (AFP) - Dozens of baskets brimming with newly-picked tomatoes gently rot in the sticky heat, becoming the latest casualty in a bout of trade tension between Benin and Nigeria.

On August 19, President Muhammadu Buhari unexpectedly closed Nigeria's borders to goods trade with Benin and Niger, declaring the time had come to end rampant smuggling from those countries.

In Benin, Nigeria's neighbour to the west, traders say the impact has been devastating.

"This is a distressing sight," Agriculture Minister Gaston Dossouhoui said this month, visiting markets in the town of Grand Popo, one of the main agricultural communities of southern Benin.

"It's very difficult for our producers. It's a disaster."

"Financially speaking, Benin's small producers are under water -- they've already had to run up millions (of CFA francs) in debt," said Adjeoda Amoussou, head of Benin's Chamber of Agriculture.

Buhari defended the closure by saying Benin and Niger -- Nigeria's neighbour to the northeast -- had failed to police their borders properly, and chronic smuggling was the result.

"The borders will remain closed until our neighbours control what goes through the borders and comply with the laws," warned Hameed Ali, comptroller general of the Nigeria Customs Service.

The move immediately caused a shockwave.

Unilateral border closures go against all commercial and freedom of movement treaties signed under the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

The announcement also cast a shadow over a historic free-trade agreement, signed by 54 out of 55 African countries, that reached a key operational threshold just five weeks earlier.

Nigeria, as well as Benin, had signed onto the pact on the eve of the landmark day -- a move hailed as a crucial push towards ending the continent's trade barriers.

- David and Goliath -

That smuggling goes on is clear, although it goes in both directions.

Huge quantities of frozen chickens, rice, fabric and cars arrive at the port of Cotonou, Benin's economic capital, where they are taxed locally before being routed -- often illegally -- to Nigeria.

Benin has few functioning petrol stations, and its fuel is far more expensive than in Nigeria, where it is subsidised by the state. A common sight is smuggled Nigerian petrol, sold by the side of the road in jerrycans.

Beyond contraband, though, trade with Nigeria is crucial for Benin and Niger.

Ranking among the world's poorest countries, they find themselves as David opposite the Nigerian Goliath -- a market of 190 million and Africa's biggest economy.

- 'Fear of God' -
In Benin, business people in some parts of the economy are panicking, and unfounded rumours that Nigeria will even go so far as to cut off its electricity supply are spreading in local newspapers.

"Buhari and his country want to put an end to us," said Barthelemy Agon, a pineapple producer. He like many others have been hard-hit by fruits and vegetables no longer being exported to their big neighbour.

As for taxi and truck drivers, it's barely worth the effort to hit the road since a litre of imported contraband fuel has risen by about one euro ($1.10) since the frontier was closed.

"We are suffering seriously from this situation -- without petrol we can't do anything," said Aristide Samson Assogba, a motorcycle taxi driver.

Sebastien Deguenonvo in Cotonou's Casse-Auto district said sales of his low-quality diesel had slumped from at least 30 26-litre (six-gallon) cans per day to just 10.

"I beg the Nigerian president to have pity on us," he said.

But if his stoney reputation is anything to go by, Buhari -- an ex-general whose first spell as Nigeria's leader, in the 1980s, came after a coup -- is unlikely to be merciful.

"President Buhari should be a little bit afraid of God," said Henry Assogba from the National Association of Petrol Sellers. "The big one cannot live without the little one."

https://www.google.com/amp/s/news.yahoo.com/amphtml/benin-counts-cost-nigeria-shutters-border-033128741.html
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Good for them. The reason I agreed and encouraged the free trade agreement between African countries is to encourage easy trade of goods produced in Africa like these tomatoes that are spoiling now. Unfortunately, our neighbour countries thought otherwise. They used the free trade agreement as a means to import goods from other continents and dump it in Nigeria. Closing our borders, although it causes some pains but in the long run if our govt puts the right policies in place, it will help the country.

You have not seen anything yet. Police your border and get your lives back

Delta oil thieves are also feeling the pain.

So Naija is their cash cow, then they shoul follow the border rules your cash cow laid down,both Rep of Benin and Niger economies are on fire right now.

Officially, exports to Nigeria represent 13% of Benin’s total export volume. But according to the World Bank, informal trade between the two countries accounts for 20% of its GDP.

Oh well big fish eats little fish. They were warned to get smuggling under control. Im all for securing borders. Everyone knows this will have economic consequences for both countries. I think Benin will suffer more from the shocks though.

“The current context confirms our determination to develop our economy through industrialisation and transformation. We no longer want to be a country of smugglers,” says a close colleague of the Beninese president.

Lol they knew better but choose not to better economy. I can't feel sorry for them.

buhari should be a little bit afraid of God!

Buhari exporting hardship to Benin republic.








Na wa

I wish it was south Africa or Ghana we were at trade war with...could have loved it.

Benin and niger are just infants..

We need to hit hard on these African backstabers

They made fool of us for so long, abusing vital ECOWAS protocols inspite of warnings and appeals. It is payback time until they are ready to respect our economy and do things like true brothers.

This is similar to the trade war between China and USA.

This will affect Nigeria no doubt but will help the country.

If only you guys know the amount of goods being smuggled into Benin every week... Una go fear.

Cameroon should be targeted next

MEANWHILE

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seankafor:
I wish it was south Africa or Ghana we were at trade war with...could have loved it.

Benin and niger are just infants..

We need to hit hard on these African backstabers

Nigeria doesn't have leverage on either of them. When it came to Ghana all they could do is whine about botherhood when Nigerians were being deported. They never cited any legal arguments. S. Africa just exposed Nigeria wont do anything either. The biggest clown will always be FFK talking about going to war with S. Africa.

I just love black and I hate it when my fellow black suffer.

Buhari wan dey form Trump of Africa.
#Border closure
#Trade war

Blue3k:


Nigeria doesn't have leverage on either of them. When it came to Ghana all they could do is whine about botherhood when Nigerians were being deported. They never cited any legal arguments. S. Africa just exposed Nigeria wont do anything either. The biggest clown will always be FFK talking about going to war with S. Africa.

I would really love a faceoff between nigeria and either of Ghana or south Africa. Couldn't care how and where it goes..
Those countries has proven to be a pain in our as$ and I would love we settle our beef squarely at a circled battle ground economically or all out warfare.

Forget ffk and E-Warriors..

Blue3k:


Nigeria doesn't have leverage on either of them. When it came to Ghana all they could do is whine about botherhood when Nigerians were being deported. They never cited any legal arguments. S. Africa just exposed Nigeria wont do anything either. The biggest clown will always be FFK talking about going to war with S. Africa.

See when we increased Visa fees for u.s and then they did the same. No one had to tell us to reduce ours back.

Now that's true leverage.

Don't know why this news sweet my Belle. But wait o when did Benin Republic became a state in Nigeria

Why are they calling on buhari. Beg ur president to do the needful.

The last time I visited cotounou Mehn starting from their border police to the currency exchange guys, money DEy go down in that arena well well

urahara:


See when we increased Visa fees for u.s and then they did the same. No one had to tell us to reduce ours back.

Now that's true leverage.

And they still haven't reduced theirs

No that's how a boss does

seankafor:
I wish it was south Africa or Ghana we were at trade war with...could have loved it.

Benin and niger are just infants..

We need to hit hard on these African backstabers

South africa is too powerful by miles compare to Nigeria. Actually nigeria is No.13 in africa doing business with SA. Even poor zimbabwe does more business with south africa thqn SA and nigeria. Get the facts correct....

Blue3k:


Oh well big fish eats little fish. They were warned to get smuggling under control. Im all for securing borders. Everyone knows this will have economic consequences for both countries. I think Benin will suffer more from the shocks though.



Lol they knew better but choose not to better economy. I can't feel sorry for them.

What of if Benin gets it right and tomorrow Nigerians start flooding there the way they did in Ghana.

Foe years, America has been fuming about the mercantilist policies of China but took little or no action because it realised it would be shooting itself in the foot. Re-exports from Benin are borne out of the senseless protectionism Nigeria practices that has failed miserably to industrialise the country (barely 10% of GDP) over the past 30 years.

Ghana, with a more open economy to trade has a more vibrant manufacturing sector.

Nigeria should shut up and stop blaming its tools.

urahara:


See when we increased Visa fees for u.s and then they did the same. No one had to tell us to reduce ours back.

Now that's true leverage.

90% of those getting Nigerian visa from the US are Nigerians in the first place who have decided not to renew their passport.
If you go to the consulate in Atlanta right now there is no booklet so you have to get a visa..

grandstar:


What of if Benin gets it right and tomorrow Nigerians start flooding there the way they did in Ghana.

Foe years, America has been fuming about the mercantilist policies of China but took little or no action because it realised it would be shooting itself in the foot. Re-exports from Benin are borne out of the senseless protectionism Nigeria practices that has failed miserably to industrialise the country (barely 10% of GDP) over the past 30 years.

Ghana, with a more open economy to trade has a more vibrant manufacturing sector.

Nigeria should shut up and stop blaming its tools.

Thank there are still Nigerians who think, banning legitimate form of living is wrong, government propose means of regulation based on recommendation of people/ industry.

When Apapa port decayed and Nigerians started using Cotonou why should Be in Nan Nigerians from using it's port. Those importing goods to Cotonou are Nigerians, bringing in food for people to eat is not criminal, watching the price of food getting beyond reach of people is no better.

If anyone does not understand what is going on, go to Google Earth, and take a close look at the state of roads etc in the richest state in Nigeria, Lagos and compared to Cotonou then judge by yourself who knows how to run an economy better.
We went through this route in 1984 got us no where now we are still doing it. Military mentality is to ban what you don't understand

grandstar:


What of if Benin gets it right and tomorrow Nigerians start flooding there the way they did in Ghana.

Foe years, America has been fuming about the mercantilist policies of China but took little or no action because it realised it would be shooting itself in the foot. Re-exports from Benin are borne out of the senseless protectionism Nigeria practices that has failed miserably to industrialise the country (barely 10% of GDP) over the past 30 years.

Ghana, with a more open economy to trade has a more vibrant manufacturing sector.

Nigeria should shut up and stop blaming its tools.

Who cares Benin will deport them if need be. If Benin gets it's act together good. If they dont oh well. Nobody should cry when the rule of law is being enforced. Nigerians have bad habit of it hence why they constantly whine about Ghana.

America taking no action when China steals technology is stupid. It's a was a bad policy to let them break WTO rules without giving any consequences. There could be more tactful ways to handle situation but this issue had to be addressed.

Let's say Benin legalized weed tomorrow. If they're not doing enough to stop the illegal exports the same thing would happen. Nigeria should chsnge economic policy but Benin shouldn't mess with the bigger economy and expect no repercussions.

Blue3k:


Who cares Benin will deport them if need be. If Benin gets it's act together good. If they dont oh well. Nobody should cry when the rule of law is being enforced. Nigerians have bad habit of it hence why they constantly whine about Ghana.

America taking no action when China steals technology is stupid. It's a was a bad policy to let them break WTO rules without giving any consequences. There could be more tactful ways to handle situation but this issue had to be addressed.

Let's say Benin legalized weed tomorrow. If they're not doing enough to stop the illegal exports the same thing would happen. Nigeria should chsnge economic policy but Benin shouldn't mess with the bigger economy and expect no repercussions.

Protectionism isn't helping the country. It has failed woefully to industrialise the country. It is time the country finds another way

grandstar:


Protectionism isn't helping the country. It has failed woefully to industrialise the country. It is time the country finds another way

I didnt argue for protectionism. Im pointing out the fact they're suffering the natural consequences of their actions. They're complaining they cant access smuggled fuel. Benin government turned a blind eye to these issues.

If you disagree with thst point let me know why.

seankafor:
I would really love a faceoff between nigeria and either of Ghana or south Africa. Couldn't care how and where it goes..
Those countries has proven to be a pain in our as$ and I would love we settle our beef squarely at a circled battle ground economically or all out warfare.

Forget ffk and E-Warriors..

This is very sad. So, you and FFK, your idol, want to go to war with my country? Ignorance will kill both of you. Don't you know you've already won. We've surrendered.
Our President has already apologised to your nation even though no Nigerian was killed but 10 South Africans were murdered, starting with the taxi driver who was was shot to death by a Nigerian drug dealer.
I can't even talk about the children who are turned into drug addicts or kidnapped and turned into sex slaves or drug mules your SA based criminals. We don't want a war with Nigeria or any country for that matter.
Please save your bullets and hatred for Boko Haram and Fulani Herdsmen. They rape, maim, literally slaughter captured Nigerian civilians and soldiers with daggers to the throat, ike goats and have massacred tens of thousands of Nigerian civilians and soldiers.
My people, the South Africans, have never killed or attacked a Nigerian man, woman or child during a spate of violence. Even your diplomats have told you, time without number, that apart from a few that have died in police custody, Nigerian cultists and criminals are killing each other in our country but you prefer to believe unsubstantiated allegations. It's clear that the truth is unpalatable and it hurts. So you'd rather believe fiction instead of facts.

Coming from the security Angle, these borders have really been a threat to the National security of our great country , Nigeria. They have been avenues through which illegally arms and ammunition are daily smuggled into Nigeria. It will be good those borders remain closed for us to access the true situation of things for now