Why border closure was necessary buhari elucidates

I think there may be some confusion here. President Muhammadu Buhari, the President of Nigeria, has not explicitly stated that border closure was necessary. In fact, the closure of Nigeria's borders was a decision taken by the Nigerian government in August 2019, and it has been a subject of controversy and debate.

However, I can provide some context and possible reasons why the government might have decided to close the borders:

  1. Trade and smuggling: Nigeria has been grappling with issues of trade and smuggling, particularly with neighboring countries. The government has accused these countries of smuggling goods into Nigeria, including rice, vehicles, and other products, which has led to significant revenue losses and undermined local industries.
  2. Security concerns: The government has also cited security concerns as a reason for the border closure. Nigeria has been battling insurgency and banditry in some parts of the country, and the government may have seen the closure of the borders as a way to prevent the influx of weapons and other illegal activities.
  3. Economic development: The government may have seen the border closure as an opportunity to promote local industries and economic development. By restricting imports, the government may have hoped to encourage the growth of local industries and reduce the country's reliance on foreign goods.
  4. Compliance with ECOWAS protocols: Nigeria is a member of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which has protocols in place to regulate trade and commerce within the region. The government may have seen the border closure as a way to ensure that these protocols are respected and that Nigeria's trade interests are protected.

It's worth noting that the border closure has had significant economic and social impacts on Nigeria, including increased prices for goods and services, reduced trade, and negative effects on local businesses. The government has also faced criticism for the decision, with some arguing that it has been poorly implemented and has caused more harm than good.