Reacting to criticism by some Nigerians that the border closure by Federal Government would add to Nigerians hardship, Vigilate Group of Nigeria (VGN), Lagos chapter, has lauded the recent extension of the closure to January 2020 by President Muhammadu Buhari.
Otunba Udoma James, Lagos State chapter Coordinator of the group, said on Monday that the extension of the border closure was a welcome development, maintaining that it was a measure to secure and grow the nation’s economy.
Udoma stressed that most of the nation’s refined oil products were smuggled out through the porous borders and the country has become market for neighbouring countries which imported products, have revenue accrued to them, while Nigeria has continued to lose billions in naira.
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He said that insecurity in the country had remained unabated because there was no effective control of entry and exit of persons, with various weapons smuggled into the country every day through the borders.
He said that some Nigerians might not understand the advantage inherent in the policy of border closure but maintained that very soon they would see the gains.
Udoma, state commander of VGN, said that Buhari deserved commendation for taking firm decision to stick to his gun amidst criticisms, pointing out that the government was only doing that to grow the nation’s economy and protect the people from harassment by those he described as intruders, who according to him, had caused the citizens so much pains through nefarious activities, banditry, smuggling and arms deal.
