Members of Nigeria’s National Assembly have expressed concerns over the country’s ineffective border closure policy, highlighting its negative impact on national security and economic stability.
The discussion arose during a meeting between the joint committee on Industry, Trade, and Investment and the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment regarding the 2025 budget.
Senator Francis Adenigba Fadaunsi (PDP, Osun East), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Industry, voiced skepticism about the practicality of the border closure.
He pointed out that the borders, while officially closed, remain porous, allowing smuggling and illegal activities to flourish. “Border closure is hampering the economic fortunes of the country because rather than curb smuggling, it encourages it,” Fadaunsi stated.
He cited the example of rice production, noting that local producers only meet 3 million tons of the 7 million tons needed annually, leaving the shortfall to be filled by smugglers.
Hon. Fatima Talba, representing Nangero/Potiskum Federal Constituency in Yobe State, echoed these sentiments. She argued that the policy has failed to prevent the free movement of criminals across the borders, adding, “It is time for us to stop fooling ourselves with border closure.”
Similarly, Hon. Paul Kalejaiye of Lagos State questioned the inconsistency of the border policy. He wondered whether it applied uniformly across the country or only in certain regions, further exposing its ineffectiveness.
In response, the committee urged the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, to collaborate with the Presidency to address the policy’s flaws.
During her presentation, Oduwole outlined the ministry’s budget, but the committee flagged discrepancies in the documents, such as an erroneous allocation of N59 billion for a N50 billion project, calling for corrections.
