ECOWAS recommends gradual re-opening of regional borders

The ECOWAS Ministerial Coordination Committee on Transport, Logistics and Trade, has recommended a harmonised and gradual reopening of land, air and sea borders for restoring cross border economic activities.

This recommendation was made known in a joint communiqué following a ministerial coordination meeting, on Thursday in Abuja, by the Directorate of communications, ECOWAS Commission.

The Committee recommended gradual reopening of the borders especially for movement of humanitarian personnel, medical supplies and equipment and essential goods in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

It also held that the reopening had become imperative in view of the need to revive the economies of ECOWAS member countries.

It said recommendations were adopted for submission to the Co-Chairpersons of the ad-hoc Ministerial Committee, and Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika and President of the ECOWAS Commission, Jean-Claude Brou.

The Aviation Minister and ECOWAS Commission’s President were expected to submit the recommendations to President Muhammadu Buhari who is champion of the regional COVID-19 response.

Details later.....