Background of the Study
In August 2019, President Muhammadu Buhari's administration closed Nigeria’s land borders in a bid to curb smuggling, especially of rice, and to encourage local production. However, the government reversed the policy in December 2020, reopening the borders to allow legitimate trade and restore economic activities. This move, aimed at revitalizing trade, was expected to improve the local economy and enhance inter-border relations, particularly with neighboring countries like Niger and Benin. The reopening of the land borders brought new challenges and opportunities for regions like Kebbi Central, which rely heavily on cross-border trade, especially for agricultural products such as rice, grains, and livestock.
The Kebbi State economy, largely agrarian, relies on both domestic and international trade for its development. Kebbi Central, which hosts the state’s agricultural markets, has a significant number of traders who engage in cross-border commerce. The effects of the land border reopening in the area, particularly on agricultural trade, local businesses, and the overall economy, are of significant interest. This study will examine the impact of this policy on Kebbi Central’s economy, trade practices, and community livelihoods.
Statement of the Problem
Despite the border closure having successfully reduced smuggling activities, it also led to reduced trade, which impacted local businesses and farmers who depended on cross-border commerce. The reopening of the borders raised questions about the readiness of Kebbi Central to fully benefit from the policy, especially given the region's historical reliance on cross-border trade. Challenges such as regulatory oversight, smuggling resurgence, and fluctuating market prices could still impact local trade even with the reopening. Therefore, this study will assess the effect of the border reopening policy on Kebbi Central’s economy, focusing on trade activities, agricultural productivity, and local livelihoods.
Objectives of the Study
To assess the economic impact of the border reopening policy on Kebbi Central’s agricultural trade.
To evaluate the effect of the policy on local businesses and trade practices in Kebbi Central.
To identify the challenges faced by traders and farmers in Kebbi Central after the border reopening.
Research Questions
How has the reopening of land borders impacted agricultural trade in Kebbi Central?
What has been the effect of the land border reopening on local businesses and trade practices in Kebbi Central?
What challenges have traders and farmers in Kebbi Central faced after the border reopening?
Research Hypotheses
The reopening of the land borders has significantly improved agricultural trade in Kebbi Central.
The border reopening has positively affected local businesses and trade practices in Kebbi Central.
Traders and farmers in Kebbi Central have faced significant challenges after the border reopening.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on the effects of the land border reopening policy in Kebbi Central, particularly on trade and agriculture. The scope will be limited to the analysis of economic and trade activities in Kebbi Central post-reopening, with a specific focus on the 2020-2025 period. The study will not address broader national-level border policy impacts or examine other regions outside Kebbi Central.
Definitions of Terms
Land Border Reopening: The policy by which Nigeria’s government reopened its land borders to facilitate legitimate trade and economic activities that were previously hindered by the border closure.
Agricultural Trade: The exchange of agricultural products across borders, particularly goods like rice, grains, livestock, and other farm produce.
Local Businesses: Small and medium-sized enterprises that rely on trade and commerce, including those involved in retail, wholesale, and distribution in local markets.
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