President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday ordered the immediate opening of four land borders in the country.

Buhari’s directive was made public by the Minister of Finance, Zainab Ahmad at the end of the virtual Federal Executive Council, FEC, meeting, according to Premium Times.

Land borders to be opened are Seme in the Southwest, Illela in Sokoto State, Maigatari in the Northwest, and Mfun in the Southsouth.

Ahmad however, disclosed that the ban on importation of rice, poultry and other banned products still subsists and will be implemented by border patrol team.

She stated: “I am here to just report that His Excellency, the President, approved the recommendations of the committee that I chaired with the Minister of Trade and Investment as member, Minister of Interior as member, Minister of Foreign Affairs as member, National Security Adviser as member and Comptroller General of Customs.

''This committee was mandated to review and advise on the reopening of the Nigerian borders and after recommendations, the president approved the reopening of four land borders, namely: Seme in the South-west part of the country, Ilela in the North-west part of the country, Maitagari in the North-west part of the country and Mfun in the South-south part of the country.

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“So, these four land borders will be reopened immediately while the remaining borders are directed to be reopened on or before 31st of December, 2020.

''Mr. President has also directed on the reopening of the borders that while others are being reopened, the ban on importation of rice, poultry and other banned products still subsists and will be implemented by border patrol team.”

Buhari had ordered the closure of Nigeria’s land borders due to security concerns.

However, on December 8, 2020, the president had expressed optimism of reopening the borders.

Buhari disclosed that the closure of borders was aimed at curbing the smuggling of weapons and drugs into Nigeria.