Buhari Reopens Border For Dangote, Keeps It Shut For Other Businesses

President Muhammadu Buhari has granted Dangote Group a special waiver that would allow the conglomerate transport its products across the Nigerian borders into other West African countries, Bloomberg reported on Monday citing an official disclosure.

The business news outlet said Dangote Group’s Michel Puchercos confirmed that the company will now be able to export cement to Togo and Niger following “an authorisation given by this administration.”

It was unclear why Mr. Buhari singled Dangote out for commercial clearance through land borders, which have been shut since August last year. The administration argued the closure, which left thousands stranded because it was not announced prior to implementation, was designed to allow consumption of home-grown products.

The government carried out the policy despite criticism from other West African countries whose leaders said Nigeria’s action undermined the spirit of the newly-signed continental free trade agreement.

In its report on Monday, Bloomberg said Dangote’s waiver could open a way for other companies to seek special concessions to export across the border, although this was not immediately confirmed by any government official.