The paper is about the closure of Nigerian land borders. The partial closure of the national borders of Nigeria on 20 August 2019 came as a rude shock and an economic aberration to the regional neighbors of Nigeria which is the commercial hub of surrounding countries. The irony of this is that the government of Nigeria started a visa-free policy for Africans from January 2020. Could borders be effectively closed for goods and services when human movements with its attendant risk factors are encouraged? For security reasons, countries like Rwanda, Kenya, Sudan and Eritrea had previously closed their borders. Borders have also been closed as a way of forestalling the spread of epidemics such as the dreaded Ebola.
Table of Contents
1. Business and the Implications of the closure of Nigerian Land Borders
2. Conclusion
3. Recommendations
4. References
Research Objectives and Themes
This paper examines the economic and security implications of the partial closure of Nigeria's land borders, analyzing the conflict between protectionist national policies and regional free trade agreements, while identifying the resulting impact on inflation, smuggling, and local production.
- Impact of the 2019 border closure on regional trade and ECOWAS agreements.
- Analysis of smuggling activities and its relation to local economic production.
- Examination of inflation trends and unemployment rates in the context of trade restrictions.
- Evaluation of government strategies to curb smuggling versus the economic reality of border communities.
- Recommendations for modernizing border security and economic diversification.
Excerpt from the Book
Business and the Implications of the closure of Nigerian Land Borders.
The partial closure of the national borders of Nigeria on 20 August 2019 came as a rude shock and an economic aberration to the regional neighbors of Nigeria which is the commercial hub of surrounding countries.
The irony of this is that the government of Nigeria started a visa-free policy for Africans from January 2020. Could borders be effectively closed for goods and services when human movements with its attendant risk factors are encouraged? For security reasons, countries like Rwanda, Kenya, Sudan and Eritrea had previously closed their borders. Borders have also been closed as a way of forestalling the spread of epidemics such as the dreaded Ebola.
It raised serious concerns when President Donald Trump of the United States of America presented the idea of closing borders with Mexico and building walls.
Summary of Chapters
Business and the Implications of the closure of Nigerian Land Borders: This chapter provides an overview of the 2019 border closure, contextualizing it within regional trade agreements and the stated government goals of curbing smuggling and enhancing security.
Conclusion: This section emphasizes the necessity of addressing border porousness through improved professionalism and training rather than mere closure, highlighting the conflict with regional free trade pacts.
Recommendations: This section suggests diversifying the Nigerian economy, upgrading customs technology for better detection of illicit goods, and enforcing stricter governance to prevent corruption at border points.
References: This section lists the primary data sources, news outlets, and statistical bodies used to compile the evidence presented in the report.
Keywords
Nigeria, Border Closure, ECOWAS, Smuggling, Free Trade, Economic Integration, Inflation, Unemployment, Customs, Security, Regional Trade, Import Ban, Local Production, Agriculture, Mining
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this document?
The document focuses on the economic and security consequences of the Nigerian government's decision to partially close its land borders starting in August 2019.
What are the central themes discussed?
The central themes include the efficacy of border closures in preventing smuggling, the impact of such policies on regional trade relations within ECOWAS, and the resulting economic strain on local communities.
What is the primary objective of this work?
The primary objective is to analyze whether unilateral border closures are an effective tool for economic protectionism and to suggest better alternatives for border management and national economic growth.
Which methodology is employed in this study?
The study utilizes a descriptive analytical approach, relying on secondary data from national statistical bureaus, international trade organizations, and reputable media reportage to assess economic trends.
What topics are covered in the main section?
The main section covers the timeline of the closure, the rationale behind the government's policy, the impact on prices and unemployment, and a comparative look at historical import bans.
Which keywords characterize this analysis?
Key terms include Nigeria, Border Closure, ECOWAS, Smuggling, Inflation, and Economic Integration.
Why does the author argue that the border closure is ironic?
The author notes the irony because the Nigerian government simultaneously implemented a visa-free policy for Africans while restricting goods, questioning the consistency of encouraging human movement while closing borders to trade.
What role does the "porous nature" of the borders play in the author's argument?
The author highlights that there are over 1,800 porous borders in Nigeria, arguing that simple closures are ineffective and that focus should instead be shifted to technological surveillance and customs professionalization.
How did the border closure affect the price of goods?
The closure led to a sharp increase in the prices of foodstuffs and restricted access to petroleum products in border regions, contributing to an 18-month high in inflation.
What is the author's stance on the future of regional trade in Africa?
The author suggests that unilateral border closures are inimical to existing trade agreements and potentially harmful to upcoming initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
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- Eric Ogho Imene (Autor:in), 2019, Business and Implications of the closure of Nigerian Land Borders, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/513615
