The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government to intervene and ensure the immediate reversal of a blockade imposed by the Republic of Benin, which is currently hindering the free movement of people, goods, and services across the Tabera-Tandu border route.
The House’s resolution followed the adoption of a motion presented at Tuesday’s plenary session by Hon. Mohammed Bio, who raised concerns over the growing hardship faced by communities along the affected route.
While moving the motion, Hon. Bio explained that several Nigerian communities in Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State share borders with communities in the Republic of Benin. One of such Nigerian communities is Tabera, which lies adjacent to Tandu, a settlement located in Parakou, Benin Republic.
He highlighted that the close proximity of Baruten to the Republic of Benin has fostered long-standing bilateral relationships, particularly in terms of trade and the free movement of people and agricultural goods across the border.
According to the lawmaker, the Tabera-Tandu road is a key link that connects Nigeria’s Okuta District to Parakou Province in Benin. He described the route as not only the most accessible passage but also the only functioning agricultural trade corridor in the area.
However, Hon. Bio recounted that on May 6, 2025, security personnel from Benin Republic, acting in a joint operation with officials from the country’s Ministry of Agriculture and Commerce and on the directive of their president, carried out a pre-dawn blockade of the Tabera-Tandu road using large stones, effectively cutting off cross-border movement.
He lamented that the directive has disrupted seasonal trading activities, particularly in cashew and soya beans, which are vital to the rural economies on both sides of the border. According to him, many families rely heavily on this trade for their livelihood.
Blockade Strains ECOWAS Ties, Fuels Insecurity Fears
Hon. Bio expressed deep concern that the blockade has created unbearable hardship for the residents of the affected border communities. He warned that continued restrictions could push frustrated individuals into actions that might compromise peace and security in the area.
He further noted that the action by Beninese authorities threatens not just local relations but also regional cooperation, especially under the framework of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), to which both countries belong.
The lawmaker stressed that failure to urgently address the blockade and restore cross-border movement could trigger conflict between the border communities and further escalate the security challenges already confronting the region.
Following deliberations, the House passed a resolution urging the Federal Government to initiate diplomatic talks with the government of the Republic of Benin with the goal of lifting the blockade and restoring the free movement of people, goods, and services, in line with bilateral and ECOWAS agreements.
The House also mandated its Committees on Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Integration in Africa, as well as Treaties, Protocols and Agreements, to step into the matter and report back within four weeks.
