In a dramatic rebuke, Nigeria’s National Assembly has criticized the government’s handling of border closures, calling the policy a self-deception that exacerbates insecurity and hinders the nation’s economy. During the 2025 budget defense session with the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment, the joint committee on Industry, Trade, and Investment expressed grave concerns over the effectiveness of the country’s border policy, especially as cross-border crimes continue to rise in states bordering Niger and Chad.
The committee’s outcry stems from what it called a porous border situation, where, despite official closures, illegal movement of goods and people, including criminals, continues unabated. Senator Francis Adenigba Fadaunsi, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Industry, led the charge with a poignant observation: “Nigeria is fooling itself. The borders are effectively open, not closed,” he declared, addressing the committee’s concerns about the policy’s failure to curb smuggling and control cross-border criminal activities.
Senator Fadaunsi’s comments were a pointed critique of the economic fallout from the border closure. He argued that the policy, rather than reducing smuggling, has only pushed the practice into more covert operations. “The real impact of this closure is on our economy. Smuggling is thriving. For example, our local rice producers are only able to meet three million tons of the seven million tons expected for national consumption, with the rest being smuggled in,” Fadaunsi noted.
Fadaunsi further questioned the effectiveness of the closure, particularly after neighboring Niger and Chad’s decision to leave the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which has resulted in looser borders and even greater ease for criminals and smugglers. He suggested that the practical solution would be to either fully open the borders or address the enforcement issues that render the closure ineffective. “It is better to openly manage our borders than to pretend they are closed while smuggling flourishes,” he added.
Echoing Fadaunsi’s sentiments, Hon. Fatima Talba, a member of the House of Representatives from Yobe State, expressed her frustration over the dissonance between official policy and reality. “As far as I and my constituents are concerned, the borders are open. People, goods, and criminals are moving freely between Nigeria, Niger, and Chad. It is time we stop fooling ourselves with this false border closure narrative,” Talba said. Her statement underscores the widespread disbelief among local communities who witness the continued movement across the borders.
The issue of porous borders has had a significant impact on national security, with increasing reports of cross-border banditry. States like Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara, which share borders with Niger, have borne the brunt of these criminal activities. The unchecked influx of bandits and arms from neighboring countries has left many communities vulnerable to violent attacks and kidnappings.
Further amplifying the concerns, Hon. Paul Kalejaiye, a member of the House of Representatives representing Ajeromi/Ifelodun Federal Constituency in Lagos State, questioned the very nature of the border closure policy. “What kind of border policy are we implementing? Are we closing borders nationwide, or are some parts of the country being neglected? It’s critical to ask this question because we are not seeing any meaningful results,” he said, adding that the lack of clarity and comprehensive enforcement leaves much to be desired.
In the midst of this intense criticism, the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, defended the ministry’s budget for the 2025 fiscal year. In her presentation, Oduwole outlined the ministry’s planned expenditures, including N3.8 billion for capital projects, N4.65 billion for personnel costs, and N1.45 billion for overheads. However, the committee swiftly pointed out discrepancies in the ministry’s documents, notably a confusing N59 billion figure listed as payment for a N50 billion project.
The committee also urged Oduwole to liaise with the presidency to explore a more viable solution to the border situation. The frustration among lawmakers reflects a growing consensus that the current policy of border closure is failing both in its primary goal of reducing insecurity and in its ability to stimulate local industries.
The National Assembly’s position on border closures comes at a time when Nigeria is grappling with a range of economic and security challenges. The government’s decision to close its borders in 2019 was initially touted as a measure to curb smuggling, particularly of rice and other agricultural products. However, the policy has come under increasing scrutiny as reports of widespread smuggling persist, with illicit goods often flooding markets, circumventing the official channels designed to protect local businesses.
Experts have long argued that the closure has done more harm than good, especially in the face of Nigeria’s mounting insecurity. The movement of criminals, arms, and illegal goods through porous borders has only exacerbated the challenges facing the Nigerian military and security agencies. Furthermore, local farmers and businesses have struggled to maintain their competitive edge due to a lack of access to essential goods and raw materials.
In a bid to address these issues, there have been calls from various quarters for a reevaluation of the border closure policy. Several stakeholders, including business leaders, security experts, and lawmakers, have called for a balanced approach that includes strengthening border enforcement and enhancing cooperation with neighboring countries to combat cross-border crime.
As the National Assembly continues to demand a revision of the border policy, Nigerians are left wondering whether the government will take the necessary steps to address the flaws in its border strategy. The lack of effective implementation and the continued smuggling of goods and criminals across Nigeria’s borders only underscore the need for urgent reform.
The debate surrounding Nigeria’s border closure highlights the complexity of balancing national security, economic development, and regional cooperation. With neighboring countries like Niger and Chad pursuing their own policies, Nigeria’s current approach to border control may no longer be sufficient to meet the needs of the 21st century. For now, lawmakers are pressing the government to rethink its strategy and offer real solutions to the challenges facing Nigeria’s borders.
