Nigeria and its neighbouring countries of Benin and Niger have revealed plans to set up a joint border patrol force to tackle smuggling.
The move comes in the wake of President Muhammadu Buhari unexpectedly closing Nigeria's borders to imported goods in August, despite earlier signing the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement (AfCFTA) aimed at trade liberalisation across the continent.
Buhari declared that the time had come to end rampant smuggling across Nigerian borders. The border patrol force will comprise police, customs, immigration, navy and state security services from the three countries.
The blockade has had a devastating effect on Benin and rippled across West Africa, with factories and traders resorting to smuggling to import key raw materials.
According to the Lagos Chamber of Commerce, Benin has also started using alternative routes for its exports.
Prices for staples such as rice at markets in Nigeria also increased.
The border patrol force will hold its first meeting in Abuja on November 25 and 26, and will later advise on the re-opening of the borders.
The delegates agreed that the ministers of finance and trade from the respective countries would set up a committee to promote intra-regional trade, and said they would ensure people crossing their borders displayed recognised travel documents.
The closure does not affect Nigerian oil outflows, which are exported almost entirely via the nation's ports and offshore platforms.
