The National Assembly Joint Committee on Industry, Trade, and Investment has expressed deep skepticism regarding the effectiveness of Nigeria’s land border closure, characterizing it as a mere façade in light of the escalating cross-border banditry plaguing states bordering Niger and Chad. This concern over the porous nature of the borders took center stage during the Ministry’s 2025 budget defense at the National Assembly Complex, where lawmakers voiced their frustrations and questioned the policy’s true impact.
The prevailing sentiment among committee members was that the border closure, intended to curb smuggling and enhance national security, has inadvertently exacerbated both issues. Senator Francis Fadaunsi, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Industry, argued that the closure has not only failed to stem smuggling but has actually encouraged it. Citing the example of rice production, he highlighted the significant shortfall between domestic production and national consumption, with the deficit being met through smuggled rice – a direct consequence, he argued, of the border closure. He further pointed out the ironic situation where the exit of Niger and Chad from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and their subsequent opening of borders to Nigerians has ironically worsened insecurity in Nigerian border states and further compounded the nation’s economic woes.
The futility of the border closure policy was further underscored by Fatima Talba, a member of the committee representing Yobe State, who asserted that the closure exists only on paper. She emphasized the unimpeded movement of people, including criminals, across the borders, highlighting the disconnect between policy and reality. This sentiment was echoed by Paul Kalejaiye, a lawmaker from Lagos State, who questioned the very nature of the border closure, asking whether all borders were indeed closed or only those in specific regions. This raised concerns about the policy’s consistency and overall effectiveness.
The committee members unanimously agreed that the border closure policy needed a thorough reevaluation. They called upon the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, to engage with the Presidency and find a sustainable solution to the ongoing challenges posed by the porous borders. The committee stressed the importance of transparency and urged the government to provide a clear and accurate picture of the situation at the borders to the Nigerian public. They argued that a candid assessment is crucial for developing effective strategies to address the security and economic ramifications of the current policy.
Minister Oduwole, in her presentation to the committee, outlined the Ministry’s proposed budget for the 2025 fiscal year. She indicated that N3.8 billion was earmarked for capital expenditure, N4.65 billion for personnel costs, and N1.45 billion for overhead expenses, with a projected revenue of N24 billion. However, the discussion surrounding the border closure overshadowed the budget presentation, reflecting the committee’s deep concern over the issue and its potential impact on the nation’s economic and security landscape.
The committee’s strong stance on the border closure reflects a growing consensus among policymakers that the current approach is counterproductive. The unintended consequences of the policy, including increased smuggling and heightened insecurity, have prompted calls for a more pragmatic and effective strategy. The committee’s insistence on transparency and a comprehensive review of the policy underscores the urgent need for a solution that addresses the complex challenges posed by the porous borders while also fostering economic growth and ensuring national security.
