By Ahmed Idris
President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday hosted President Patrice Talon of the Republic of Benin at State House, Abuja, Wednesday, during which the two leaders agreed on the imperative of a joint committee to combat smuggling.
Also to be consulted in the workings of the committee is Niger Republic, which is believed to be a transit point in the concentric circle of smuggling of commodities, particularly rice, into Nigeria.
“We have succeeded in cutting the importation of rice into the country by about 90%,” the President told his guest, adding that smuggled parboiled rice still finds its way into the country, thus vitiating the efforts of government, and discouraging farmers.
“When I got into office in 2015, the first thing I did was to visit all our neighbours; Niger Republic, Chad, Cameroon, and Benin Republic. It made both economic and security sense, because if you are in good terms with your neighbours, you ultimately spend less on both physical and food security,” he said.
He said activities of smugglers are hindering Nigeria’s quest for self-sufficiency, particularly in rice production.
A more sinister side to the smuggling menace, the President said, is the influx of small arms and ammunition into the country, thus increasing the spectre of insecurity.
The two leaders agreed that modalities of the joint committee to combat smuggling are to be worked out as soon as possible.
The Nigerian President also welcomed the idea of a rail network to link Nigeria, Benin Republic, Niger Republic, and some other countries, saying “it is valuable economically,” and would be subjected to further comprehensive study.
In his remarks, President Patrice Talon said smuggling affects Nigeria and Benin Republic negatively, and also constitutes a threat to the bilateral relationship between the two countries.
“We are aware of how rice smuggling is affecting the development of local capacity in rice farming in Nigeria. It is affecting trade between us negatively, and Nigeria is an important partner for a country like Benin.
“But we have no powers to block goods meant for other countries, and our country is not the final destination for the smuggled rice. We need to develop a common will to face the problem,” he said.
He said the proposed rail network between the two countries would boost economic development.
