The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has called on the Federal Government to reopen all land borders across Nigeria, saying such a move would ease the movement of persons and goods within the West African sub-region in line with the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS).
Oba Ladoja made the appeal on Sunday when the outgoing Controller of Customs for the Oyo/Osun Area Command, Comptroller Gambo Aliyu, paid him a farewell visit at his Bodija residence in Ibadan.
The monarch noted that the prolonged closure and restrictions at various borders had slowed down economic activities, created hardships for traders, and hampered regional integration efforts. He stressed that Nigeria, being a major player in ECOWAS, should demonstrate leadership by facilitating cross-border trade rather than hindering it.
According to the Olubadan, many legitimate businesses depend on smooth border operations, and reopening them would revive commerce, improve revenue generation, and strengthen social and economic ties among neighbouring countries.
Earlier in his remarks, Comptroller Aliyu appreciated the monarch for his support and cooperation throughout his tenure, saying engagements with traditional institutions had helped the Customs Service improve compliance, community relations, and security across the command.
He pledged that the Customs Service would continue to work closely with stakeholders to enhance trade facilitation and border management.
