Abuja — The Federal Government has denied closing Nigerian border against Republic of Niger.

Minister of Information and Communications, Professor Dora Akunyili, stated this yesterday, in a press statement.

She called on the public to ignore the rumour and go about their daily activities. Akunyili said the rumour was as a result of media report, which according to her, is baseless and misleading.

According to the statement, "the attention of the Federal Government of Nigeria has been drawn to public enquiries over media reports that Nigeria has closed its borders against her neighbouring Niger Republic.

"I wish to state that the Federal Government of Nigeria has not closed its borders with Niger Republic.The media reports are false, misleading and baseless.

"I therefore appeal to the general public on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria to disregard this rumour which is capable of creating avoidable frosty diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Niger Republic."