Closure of land borders by the Nigerian Government seems to be yielding positive results as it has reportedly saved the local poultry industry more than N50 billion since its commencement.

Although the border closure has been widely criticised by many people who believe it has increased the hardship of Nigerians, it has also received accolades from some. One of the people who supported the move is the former Vice-Chancellor, Federal University of Technology, Prof Biyi Daramola, who said the impact of cheap farm produce import coming through Benin Republic had reduced because of the closure.

The move, which happens to violate the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Trade Liberalisation treaty is no doubt helping to boost local production.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Nigeria consumes 2 million tons of poultry yearly, 70% of which is imported from abroad. However, according to Daramola, the closure has helped to reduce the high consumption of imported poultry.

OTHER SECTORS BORDER CLOSURE HAS HELPED
Apart from poultry farmers, beneficiaries of the restriction of rice and frozen foods into the country among others include rice farmers and butchers.

Rice farmers have gained from the policy because rice is generally consumed by Nigerians almost all the time, in fact, some Nigerians cannot do without it. Therefore, rice farmers are arguably the greatest beneficiaries of the border closure as local rice is what people now turn to. Despite the present state of the rice (dirt), Nigerians are left with no choice as it is the only rice available due to the closure.

As a result of this, local farmers can be said to be in their prime as demand for their produce is on the high side.

Meanwhile, the closure, according to Daramola, has affected the country’s small businesses selling products across the sub-region, as they can no longer access such markets. He made known that trade across countries is now hindered because goods cannot be easily moved across borders anymore.

SOURCE (abridged): https://nairametrics.com/2019/11/04/poultry-industry-saves-n50-billion-due-to-border-closure/

Border closure: saves garri producers #600 billion

Why are eggs getting more expensive then?