Republic of Benin shuts border against Nigeria, hikes tariffs on food exports
By BENJAMIN OKOLI
The President of Benin Republic, Patrice Talon, has shut down the border route between his country and Nigeria.
The closure, which affects the border linking Taberu, a village in Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State, Nigeria, to Tanu, a neighbouring village in Benin, comes amid escalating tensions over agricultural exports.
Sources in the region indicate that the closure is aimed at curbing the movement of agricultural products—particularly cashew nuts and soya beans—through unofficial routes into Nigeria.
Local authorities and residents say the decision has significantly disrupted trade activities between the two communities.
It was also revealed that, along with shutting down the illegal trade route, President Talon’s government has raised tariffs on these two commodities 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 Benin authorities now insist that cashew nuts and soya beans be moved only via legal routes, with substantially 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 closure.
