The Nigerian National Assembly, through its Joint Committee on Industry, Trade, and Investment, has criticized the country’s border closure policy, describing it as ineffective in curbing cross-border banditry and smuggling. Lawmakers argued that the policy has worsened insecurity and economic challenges in Nigerian states bordering Niger and Chad.
Porous Borders Highlight Policy Failure
During the 2025 budget defense session with the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Lawmakers expressed frustration over the supposed “closed” borders. Senator Francis Adenigba Fadaunsi (PDP, Osun East), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Industry, stated that Nigeria is “fooling itself” with the border closure policy, which he described as both impractical and ineffective.
He noted the exit of Niger and Chad from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the subsequent opening of their borders to Nigerians as exacerbating insecurity and undermining Nigeria’s economy.
“Border closure is hampering the country’s economic fortunes because, rather than curb smuggling, it encourages it,” Fadaunsi said.
He highlighted Nigeria’s rice production deficit as a case in point, revealing that while local producers supply only 3 million tons of the 7 million tons needed annually, smuggling fills the 4 million-ton gap.
Voices from the House of Representatives
Other committee members echoed similar concerns. Hon. Fatima Talba, representing Nangero/Potiskum Federal Constituency of Yobe State, questioned the efficacy of the border closure.
“As far as my constituents and I are concerned, the borders are open, not closed. Criminals and people move freely across the borders. It’s time to stop deceiving ourselves,” Talba asserted.
Hon. Paul Kalejaiye, representing Ajeromi/Ifelodun Federal Constituency of Lagos State, raised concerns about inconsistencies in implementing the border policy.
“We need to ask whether all borders across the country are closed or if this policy applies only to certain regions,” he said.
Committee’s Recommendations to Address Border Issues
The Joint Committee, chaired by Senator Suleiman Sadiq Umar (APC, Kwara North), urged the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, to engage the Presidency on revisiting the border closure policy. The lawmakers emphasized the urgent need for a strategy that balances border security with economic growth.
Dr. Oduwole, during her budget presentation, disclosed the ministry’s 2025 fiscal allocations, which include:
- N3.8 billion for capital expenditure,
- N4.65 billion for personnel costs, and
- N1.45 billion for overhead.
She also noted a projected revenue of N24 billion. However, the committee flagged errors in the submitted documents, including an incorrect entry of N59 billion instead of N50 billion for a specific project, and directed the ministry to make necessary corrections.
The Bottom Line
The National Assembly calls for an urgent rethink to Nigeria’s border closure policy. Lawmakers argue that the current approach fails to address the root causes of cross-border banditry, smuggling, and economic challenges. As insecurity and economic strain persist, the government faces growing pressure to adopt a more practical and inclusive border management strategy.
