Benin Republic President, Patrice Talon, has closed the border route between Taberu, a village in Nigeria’s Kwara State, and Tanu, a neighboring village in Benin, as part of efforts to curb illegal agricultural trade.
The closure is focused on halting the movement of key commodities like Cashew nuts and Soya beans.
Emir of Yashikira, Alhaji Usman Umoru-Seriki, confirmed the closure, stating, “He only allowed the transportation of cashew nuts and soya beans through a legal route and imposed a higher tariff on the two produces.” This move comes after repeated border closures, including one against Togo last year.
A source in the Nigerian immigration service, who spoke on condition of anonymity, added, “This is not the first time the border has been closed. There have been previous instances where President Talon restricted trade.”
The border closure, which also involves increased duties for traders, has created tension along the region, with many concerned about the economic impact.
