President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the reopening of four land borders in three of the six geopolitical zones of the country with immediate effect.

These include Seme border in the South- West, Illela and Maigatari borders in the North- West, and Mfun border in the South-South.

However, the ban on importation of rice, poultry, among others remained enforced, the federal government said on Wednesday.

With the latest development, import and export of approved goods would begin in earnest after months of closure, a development that impeded businesses and social activities.

Daily Trust reports that the news of the reopening of the borders had elicited thunderous applause in the affected communities with residents saying life will come back to normal.

Millions of Nigerians had decried the closure of the borders, saying the development had aggravated poverty, made the cost of basic needs high and crippled the source of livelihood of many.

The closure of the borders had also grossly affected the economic fortunes of neighbouring Benin and Niger Republics, Chad, Cameroon, Ghana, among others.

Government had at the onset said the borders were closed to stop importation of contrabands including arms and ammunitions, boost agriculture and protect local economy.