The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) for their decision to reopen the Nigerian-Niger Republic air and land borders and restore power supply to the neighboring country. The ACF, known as the mouthpiece of northern Nigeria, issued a statement through its National Publicity Secretary, Prof. Tukur Muhammad-Baba, expressing support for the move.
According to the statement, the ACF had opposed the sanctions and the threat of a Nigeria-led ECOWAS military invasion following a military coup in Niger. The forum argued that these actions only served imperialist and neo-colonial interests, disregarding the historical, socio-cultural, economic, and political ties between Nigeria and Niger that predated European colonialism.
The ACF views President Tinubu's directive to reopen the borders and lift economic sanctions as a positive step for both countries. It is expected that this decision will alleviate the challenges faced by border communities that suffered from the sanctions, including the impact on local economic activities.
The statement also highlights the anticipated benefits, such as the resumption of critical supplies like food and medicines, as well as the restoration of air travel operations between the two countries. The ACF believes that these measures will improve the living conditions of border communities and bring an end to the difficulties they faced during the period of sanctions.
