The closure of the border between Nigeria and Niger Republic has put approximately $1.3 billion worth of trade at risk along the trans-Saharan road corridor. This road network connects six African countries and is vital for trade, connecting Nigeria to its landlocked neighbors in the Sahel region. Trucks from Nigeria account for 40% of the total daily traffic along this corridor.
The closure of the border came after a request from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to President Bola Tinubu to support actions against putschists in Niger Republic. This closure has led to stranded Nigerian drivers and a significant disruption in trade activities. Nigerian drivers who went to deliver goods before the closure are now facing uncertainty about the fate of their goods.
The closure is also impacting border communities, such as Illela, where economic activities have sharply declined. Many businesses in these areas are struggling to survive, and some have been forced to close due to the closure’s impact on trade and commerce.
ECOWAS has taken a hard stance against the coup in Niger Republic and is considering possible military action if the detained president is not released and reinstated. However, there is division within the bloc, with some member states promising to defend their counterparts in Niger if needed.
The closure of this trade route has significant economic implications, affecting trade, supply chains, and livelihoods across the region. It highlights the interconnectedness of trade in Africa and the challenges that political events can pose to regional economies.
Opinion: The closure of the border between Nigeria and Niger Republic not only affects the direct trade between the two countries but also disrupts the larger trans-Saharan trade network that connects multiple countries in the region. Such border closures can have cascading economic impacts beyond the immediate affected areas, affecting supply chains, livelihoods, and regional economic integration. It underscores the importance of stable political and economic relationships among neighboring countries to ensure the smooth flow of trade and economic activities.