Fuel Price Rises Hit Businesses in Zamfara Border Communities

Rising and unpredictable fuel prices, combined with expensive transport fares, are putting severe pressure on businesses and residents in communities along the border between Nigeria’s Zamfara State and Niger Republic.

The higher costs have sharply reduced trade between the border communities. Yet movement itself has not been restricted. Residents and traders continue to travel between the two countries, carrying goods and services across the border without reported hindrance.

Arewa PUNCH reported that communities in Zamfara have continued their business and social activities with neighbouring Niger communities since 2023. A visit to communities in Zurmi Local Government Area found people going into Niger and returning to Nigeria freely.

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The pronouncement by former President Atiku Abubakar that he would reopen borders if he became President is not only laughable, but also balderdash because, as I am talking to you now, all borders are reopened since 2023.

In Gurbin Bore, a businessman identified as Alhaji Buhari said the borders reopened in 2023, after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu came to power. He dismissed former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s pledge to reopen the borders if elected president in 2027.

“The pronouncement by former President Atiku Abubakar that he would reopen borders if he became President is not only laughable, but also balderdash because, as I am talking to you now, all borders are reopened since 2023,” Buhari said. “I don’t know where Atiku has been for all these years. This is an indication that he doesn’t know anything about the plight of border communities.”

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I don’t know where Atiku has been for all these years. This is an indication that he doesn’t know anything about the plight of border communities.