Umahi also said that the decision has stopped the influx of smuggled fuel into the country, which according to him, is a relief to the petroleum industry.

Governor David Umahi

Amidst reactions from many Nigerians to the closure of the country’s land borders, some citizens seem to be in support of the decision of the federal government.

One of those backing the move by President Muhammadu Buhari is Governor David Umahi who on Monday, December 2, said that the closure has reduced smuggling of illegal and poisonous agricultural produce and increased the revenue for local farmers.

He said: “You might know the amount of poison that is being smuggled into this country in the name of foreign rice.’

“Ebonyi has keyed into the programs of the CBN. I stand with the President on the closure of the border. The influx of foreign herdsmen into Nigeria will be restricted or allowed. By the closure, our farmers are happy.”
The governor said that the state government has arrested persons who imported foreign rice into Ebonyi, adding that he will obtain a court order to burn the rice and also for the drivers of the truck to pay between N5 million and N10 million.

Umahi also said that the decision has stopped the influx of smuggled fuel into the country, which according to him, is a relief to the petroleum industry.

Meanwhile, It was reported that President Buhari said his administration has not decided on the time when the ban would be lifted. The president noted that his administration is using the opportunity to rekindle the agriculture sector.