Northern traders have lamented the loss of about thirteen billion naira weekly due to the closure of borders in the region over the ongoing crisis in Niger Republic.

President Bola Tinubu had on the fourth August ordered the closure of all borders with Niger Republic. The borders include Jibiya in Katsina state, Illelah in Sokoto and Maigatari in Jigawa.

Addressing a press conference in Abuja on Sunday, the chairman, Arewa Economic Forum Ibrahim Yahaya Dandakata, said the economic consequences of the closure is becoming unbearable for traders.

He therefore, urged the federal government to open the Maje-illo border in Kebbi to allow traders bring in goods to the country.

Also speaking, a trader and member of the forum, Hamza Saleh Jibiya, said since the closure of the border, about two thousand containers laden with perishable and non-perishable goods have been trapped and cannot be cleared due to the closure.