Benin Republic Shuts Border with Nigeria, Disrupts Trade in Kwara State
The border route between Nigeria and the Benin Republic has been shut down by the President of Benin, Patrice Talon.
The closure has sparked concerns among neighboring communities, particularly affecting Taberu, a village in Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State, Nigeria, which connects to Tanu in Benin. The shutdown has led to an issue involving agricultural exports and other essential resources.
According to local sources, the closure aims to curb the smuggling of agricultural products—mainly cashew nuts and soya beans—through unofficial routes into Nigeria.
Local authorities and residents report that the decision has significantly disrupted trade activities between the two border communities.
Due to the continued smuggling of these products, President Talon has now imposed tariffs on cashew nuts and soya beans when transported through authorized channels.
In an interview with Saturday PUNCH, the Emir of Yashikira, Alhaji Usman Umoru-Seriki, confirmed the development.
He explained that Beninese authorities now insist that all cashew nuts and soya beans must be transported only via official routes, with significantly higher duties imposed on traders.
“He only allowed the transportation of cashew nuts and soya beans through legal routes and imposed a higher tariff on these products,” the Emir said. “Traders who wish to bring soya beans and cashew nuts are now required to pay higher duties, and only legal routes are permitted. This isn’t the first time President Talon has taken such action—he closed the border with Togo last year.”
An immigration officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity, also confirmed the border closure.
