NASS Criticises Border Closure Policy, Says It’s Ineffective In Curbing Crimes

The National Assembly, through its joint committee on Industry, Trade, and Investment, has criticized Nigeria’s border closure policy, labeling it ineffective in curbing cross-border crimes such as banditry and smuggling.

Legislators expressed frustration over the country’s ongoing security and economic issues posed by the country’s borders with Niger and Chad during the 2025 budget defense session, which they cosponsored with the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment.

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Industry, Senator Francis Fadaunsi argued that the current border closure policy is counterproductive. He suggested that opening the borders would be preferable to keeping the illusion of a closure that would not stop smuggling and insecurity.

Because it encourages smuggling rather than reducing it, border closure is hampered by the country’s economic fortunes. For instance, with rice production, local producers only manage to meet 3 million tonnes of the 7 million tonnes required, leaving a significant shortfall filled by smuggled goods”

Hon. Fatima Talba representing Nangero/Potiskum Federal Constituency in Yobe State, reechoed similar sentiments, stating that in her experience, the borders appear open, given the unchecked movement of people and criminals. We must stop believing that the border will close.

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It’s time for us to stop deceiving ourselves by closing our borders, she says, “Going by the free movement of people and even criminals across the borders.”

Hon. Paul Kalejaiye (Ajeromi/Ifelodun Federal Constituency, Lagos State) questioned the consistency of the policy, asking whether the closure applied to all borders or was selectively enforced in certain regions.

In response to the concerns, 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 with the Presidency to seek a comprehensive solution to the issues surrounding the border closure policy.

Dr. Oduwole, during her presentation, outlined the ministry’s budget for 2025, which includes N3.8 billion for capital expenditure, 4.65 billion naira for personnel costs, and 1.45 billion naira for overhead, with a projected revenue of 24 billion naira.

However, the committee identified errors in the submitted documents. The lawmakers raised concerns about a project that the Ministry of Trade and Investment’s Ministry of Trade and Investment’s budget for 2024 had originally allocated $ 50 million but was later awarded $ 59 million, which added an additional 9 million naira.

Source: Channels TV