The Nigerian Senate has deferred deliberation on a motion proposing the reopening of the borders between Nigeria and Niger.

Following the ousting of Niger’s civilian government, the Nigerian government closed all borders with Niger and halted power supply to the nation in August.

During Tuesday’s plenary, Senator Suleiman Kawu Sumaila (NNPP, Kano) presented a motion expressing concerns about the adverse economic impacts of border closures in border towns across several Nigerian states, including Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, Kebbi, Jigawa, Borno, and Yobe.

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Senator Sumaila urged the Federal Government to reconsider the border’s reopening, emphasizing that the closure contradicts the Nigerian Constitution, which ensures the security and welfare of citizens.

However, Senate President Godswill Akpabio noted that the Senate has decided to support the resolutions of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) concerning the political situation in Niger Republic. Consequently, Akpabio encouraged Senator Sumaila to withdraw the motion, citing security concerns associated with reopening the borders.