Latest news on seme border

You're referring to the Seme Border, which is a major border crossing between Nigeria and Benin Republic. Here are some of the latest news updates on the Seme Border:

Recent Developments:

1. Border Closure: The Nigerian government has been implementing a partial border closure since August 2019 to curb smuggling and other illegal activities. The closure has had a significant impact on trade and economic activities in the region.
2. Customs Revenue: Despite the border closure, the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) has reported a significant increase in revenue collection. According to the NCS, revenue collection at the Seme Border has increased by 30% since the border closure.
3. Trade Facilitation: The Benin Republic has been pushing for the reopening of the border, citing the need for trade facilitation and economic cooperation between the two countries. The Benin government has also proposed the establishment of a joint border committee to address issues related to trade and security.
4. Security Concerns: There have been reports of increased security concerns at the Seme Border, including armed robberies and kidnappings. The Nigerian government has deployed additional security personnel to the border to address these concerns.
5. Economic Impact: The border closure has had a significant impact on the economies of both countries, particularly in the agricultural and manufacturing sectors. The closure has also led to a shortage of essential goods, including food and fuel, in some parts of Nigeria.

Recent Quotes:

• "The border closure has been a game-changer for us. We have been able to curb smuggling and increase revenue collection." - Hameed Ali, Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Customs Service
• "We are not opposed to the border closure, but we need to find a way to balance security concerns with economic needs." - Adesina Ogunlana, President of the Nigerian Association of Small and Medium-Scale Enterprises
• "The border closure has caused significant economic losses for our country. We need to find a way to reopen the border and restore trade relations." - Lionel Zinsou, Prime Minister of Benin Republic

Recent Articles:

• "Nigeria's Border Closure: A Game-Changer for Customs Revenue" (The Punch)
• "Benin Republic Seeks Reopening of Border with Nigeria" (Premium Times)
• "Seme Border Closure: Economic Impact on Nigeria and Benin Republic" (This Day)

Please note that the information provided is based on publicly available news sources and may not reflect the most up-to-date information.