Publication Date
1-1-2021
Abstract
Smuggling has been a signature of African borders. The study takes a critical look at the issue of smuggling in the Imeko border community of Nigeria that is situated at the Benin border. It examines the perspectives of the state and the border communities and uses the Onion method of Conflict Analysis to determine the actual needs of both parties and how they could be met. While the government sees it as a crime that robs the state of its much-needed resources, the border communities consider smuggling to be legitimate trade relations with their kinsmen across the border as a result of its artificial nature. The study recommends that the government and the border communities should come together to clarify the ambiguity around smuggling so as to have a defined approach that is favourable to all parties in the conflict. In addition, the government has to invest massively in development of border communities to prevent smuggling from being lucrative to border community indigenes.
DOI
10.32727/24.2021.31
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