Seme Border Closure and Nigeria's Trading Partners in Africa

Abstract

The purpose of this paper on "Seme Border Closure and Nigeria's Trading Partners in Africa" aimed at exploring the dynamics of the Nigeria's land borders closure with Benin Republic as it affected her trading partners in Africa. Methodology adopted was descriptive design that relied on judgmental sampling technique. Secondary data (books, journal articles, monographs, internet materials etc) were sourced in Nigerian libraries and subjected to content validity before analyzing it qualitatively. Result of the findings revealed that smuggling of rice and petroleum product, including insecurity are the major reasons Nigeria closed land border with her immediate neighbour, Benin Republic. The closure has led to an increase in revenue accrued to the federation account and increase local rice production and consumption. Regrettably, it fostered inflation in Nigeria, triggered hardship in Benin Republic and prompted retaliatory measure from Ghana. Most importantly, the land border closure negated the essence of Nigeria being a signatory to the Economic community of West African States as well as a signatory to African Continental Free Trade Area. These findings have contributed to the understanding and further explanation of the Theory of Mercantilism. Nigeria cannot survive in isolation; hence, the paper recommends domestic policy adjustment that focuses on interest free loan to local producers as well as establishment of Joint Border Guard with immediate neighbours. These measures would lead to growth and development not land border closure that isolates Nigeria from the comity of nations and further denies her the benefit of globalization.