The Rice Processors Association of Nigeria (RIPAN) has accused economic saboteurs of attempting to cause confusion in the country.
A video showing customs officers reopening the Idiroko Border in April 2022 went viral this week on social media platforms.
The recirculation, according to RIPAN, was to give the notion that the federal government had just approved the resumption of import and export via Idiroko.
A statement on Friday by the Director General Andy Ekwelem, advised the general public to ignore misinformation and stay on the lookout.
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“It is essential that we bring this information to remind everyone of the importance of staying vigilant and not be misled by sensational news trends,” it reads.
“The Rice Processors Association of Nigeria (RIPAN) suspects that some enemies of Nigeria’s economy are behind the circulation of an old video.
“The individuals/groups seek to undermine the new government and promote illegal activities such as rice smuggling from Benin Republic, Niger Republic and Cameroon for personal gain.
“We urge the government and stakeholders to avoid falling prey to the machinations of those trying to sabotage the economy and exploit our big brotherly role within the sub-region.
“We encourage Nigerians to report any smuggling activity and other acts that may undermine the progress of our agricultural sector to the Nigeria Customs Service.
“We must all work together to build a stronger economy that benefits the people. RIPAN is dedicated to supporting the efforts of the federal government to improve food security.”
In his clarification, Customs Public Relations Officer, Abubakar Maiwada, explained that the country presently has no closed border.
“All major borders are open. The video showing the Idiroko border opening is an old video that a mischief maker repackaged to create a wrong narrative,” he said.
