The National Assembly, through its joint committee on Industry, Trade, and Investment, has criticized Nigeria’s border closure policy, deeming it ineffective in addressing cross-border crimes such as banditry and smuggling.
During the 2025 budget defense session with the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment, lawmakers voiced their frustration over the persistent security and economic challenges posed by the porous borders with Niger and Chad.
They cautioned that Nigeria might be deceiving itself with the current approach.
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Senator Francis Fadaunsi, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Industry, argued that the border closure policy is counterproductive.
He proposed that officially reopening the borders could be a more effective solution than continuing with a closure that fails to curb smuggling and insecurity.
“Border closure is hampering economic fortunes of the country because rather than curb smuggling, it encourages it’. 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 deceiving ourselves about border closure”
According to her, “Going by free movement of people and even criminals across the borders, it is time for us, to stop fooling ourselves with border closure “.
Hon. Paul Kalejaiye (Ajeromi/Ifelodun Federal Constituency, Lagos State) raised concerns about the consistency of the border closure policy, questioning whether the closure applied universally or was enforced selectively in certain areas.
In response, the joint committee, led by Senator Suleiman Sadiq Umar (APC, Kwara North), urged the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, to consult with the Presidency to find a comprehensive solution to the issues related to the border closure policy.
During her presentation, Dr. Oduwole outlined the ministry’s 2025 budget, which includes N3.8 billion for capital expenditure, N4.65 billion for personnel costs, and N1.45 billion for overheads, with a projected revenue of N24 billion.
However, the committee discovered discrepancies in the submitted documents. Lawmakers highlighted a project originally budgeted at N50 million, which was later awarded for N59 million, resulting in an additional N9 million in the 2024 budget for the Ministry of Trade and Investment.
While defending the 2025 budget, Minister Oduwole and her team explained the discrepancy as a “typographical error.” The committee, however, instructed the Minister to correct the error before the budget could be approved.
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