“National Assembly Slams Nigeria’s Border Closure Amid Rising Insecurity and Smuggling”

The National Assembly, through its joint committee on Industry, Trade, and Investment, has expressed growing concerns over the porous state of Nigeria’s closed borders, particularly in light of the increasing cross-border banditry in states bordering Niger and Chad.

The issue of the ineffective border closure came to the forefront during the 2025 budget defense session, where members of the committee criticized the government’s handling of border security and trade.

Senator Francis Adenigba Fadaunsi (PDP Osun East), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Industry, was the first to highlight the paradox of Nigeria’s border policy. He suggested that the current closure was more “technically” enforced than practically, causing economic and security issues. Fadaunsi emphasized that the situation had worsened with the departure of Niger and Chad from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which had led to an opening of their borders to Nigerians. This, he argued, was exacerbating insecurity in neighboring states and contributing to Nigeria’s economic challenges.

“Border closure is hampering the economic fortunes of the country because, rather than curb smuggling, it encourages it,” said Fadaunsi. He pointed to the rice production shortfall, where the nation is unable to meet its expected consumption of 7 million tons, with over 4 million tons smuggled in due to the border restrictions.

“Nigeria’s Border Closure ‘Fooling Itself,’ National Assembly Committee Claims”

Hon. Fatima Talba, representing Nangero/Potiskum Federal Constituency in Yobe State, shared her frustration with the border closure policy, noting that from her perspective and that of her constituents, the borders were effectively open. She criticized the inconsistency in enforcement, stating, “Going by the free movement of people and even criminals across the borders, it’s time for us to stop fooling ourselves with border closure.”

Her sentiments were echoed by Hon. Paul Kalejaiye, representing Ajeromi/Ifelodun Federal Constituency in Lagos State, who questioned the practicality and uniformity of the border closure policy. “We need to ask the question: Is the border policy being implemented consistently across the nation, or are certain segments of the country more impacted?” he queried.

“Lawmakers Question Nigeria’s Border Policy Amid Cross-Border Insecurity and Economic Impact”

Senator Suleiman Sadiq Umar (APC Kwara North), Chairman of the committee, led the call for further examination of Nigeria’s border closure strategy. He urged Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, to collaborate with the Presidency to address the inefficiencies and impacts of the current policy.

During her presentation, Dr. Oduwole outlined the Ministry’s proposed budget, which includes N3.8 billion for capital expenditure, N4.65 billion for personnel costs, and N1.45 billion for overheads, with a projected revenue of N24 billion. However, the committee raised concerns over discrepancies in the documents submitted, particularly an error in which N59 billion was incorrectly listed for a N50 billion project.

“National Assembly Urges Government to Rethink Border Closure After Insecurity and Smuggling Surge”

The committee’s concerns come amid increasing reports of smuggling and insecurity linked to the country’s porous borders. As lawmakers called for a reassessment of the border closure strategy, they urged the government to seek a more effective solution that balances security needs with economic growth and trade.