The National Assembly members have described Nigeria’s border closure policy as a failure in addressing security and economic challenges.
The lawmakers expressed concerns about the ongoing cross-border banditry in states bordering Niger and Chad, during the 2025 budget defense session with the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment.
The lawmakers emphasized that Nigeria must urgently review its border policy to address security lapses and economic disruptions caused by ineffective implementation.
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Industry, Senator Francis Adenigba Fadaunsi (PDP, Osun East), argued that Nigeria’s borders are effectively open despite being “technically closed.”
He pointing out that local rice production is unable to meet the nation’s demand of 7 million tonnes, with a shortfall of 4 million tonnes being smuggled into the country, which has an adverse economic impact.
“Border closure is worsening our economic fortunes. Rather than curbing smuggling, it is encouraging it,” Fadaunsi lamented.
Contributing, Fatima Talba (APC, Nangero/Potiskum, Yobe State) said the border closure was ineffective, given the unrestricted movement of people and criminals. “We must stop deceiving ourselves about border closure. It’s merely a façade,” she said.
Also, Paul Kalejaiye (APC, Ajeromi/Ifelodun, Lagos State) wondered whether the selective enforcement of the policy, applied uniformly across the country or was targeted at specific regions.
On his part, the chairman of the committee, Senator Suleiman Sadiq Umar (APC, Kwara North), urged the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment Dr. Jumoke Oduwole to collaborate with the Presidency on a more effective solution.
During her presentation, Oduwole outlined the ministry’s 2025 budget, which includes N3.8 billion for capital expenditure, N4.65 billion for personnel costs, and a projected revenue of N24 billion.
However, the committee spotted errors in the submitted documents, including a misreported N59 billion payment for an N50 billion project, and instructed the ministry to make corrections.
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