NASS criticizes border closure policy, says it’s ineffective in combating crime

During the 2025 budget defense session with the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment, lawmakers voiced their dissatisfaction with the persistent security and economic challenges linked to the country’s vulnerable borders with Niger and Chad, suggesting that Nigeria may be deluding itself.

Senator Francis Fadaunsi, chairman of the Senate Committee on Industry, argued that the current border closure policy is counterproductive.

He proposed that officially reopening the borders might be more advantageous than maintaining a closure that fails to prevent smuggling and insecurity.

“Border closure is harming the country’s economic prospects because it encourages smuggling instead of curbing it. For example, local rice producers can only meet 3 million tonnes of the 7 million tonnes needed, leaving a significant gap filled by smuggled products,” he stated.

Hon. Fatima Talba, representing Nangero/Potiskum Federal Constituency in Yobe State, echoed similar sentiments, noting that the borders seem open due to the unchecked movement of people and criminals.

“We must stop deceiving ourselves about the border closure,” she emphasized.

Hon. Paul Kalejaiye from Ajeromi/Ifelodun Federal Constituency in Lagos State questioned the policy’s consistency, asking whether the closure applied to all borders or was enforced selectively.

In response to these concerns, 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 border closure issues.

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 overhead expenses, with a projected revenue of N24 billion.

However, the committee identified discrepancies in the submitted documents, raising concerns about a project initially budgeted at N50 million but later awarded for N59 million, resulting in an additional N9 million in the 2024 budget of the Ministry of Trade and Investment.

While defending the 2025 budget, Minister Jumoke Oduwole and her team attributed the discrepancy to a “typographical error.”

The committee instructed the minister to correct the error before accepting the budget document.