The National Assembly, through its joint committee on Industry, Trade, and Investment, has criticized Nigeria’s border closure policy, highlighting its ineffectiveness amid persistent cross-border banditry in states bordering Niger and Chad.
During the 2025 budget defense session with the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment, concerns about the porous nature of the closed borders were raised.
Senator Francis Adenigba Fadaunsi (PDP, Osun East), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Industry, questioned the practicality of maintaining “technically closed” borders, suggesting it would be better to fully reopen them. He noted that the withdrawal of Niger and Chad from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and their subsequent border openings to Nigerians have exacerbated insecurity and worsened Nigeria’s economic challenges.
“Border closure is harming the country’s economy. Instead of curbing smuggling, it has encouraged it. For instance, in rice production, local farmers produce only 3 million tons out of the 7 million tons needed, leaving a 4 million-ton shortfall being smuggled into the country,” Fadaunsi explained.
Hon. Fatima Talba, representing Nangero/Potiskum Federal Constituency of Yobe State, also criticized the policy, stating that, in practice, the borders remain open due to unchecked movement of people and criminals. “We need to stop deceiving ourselves with this so-called border closure,” she asserted.
Hon. Paul Kalejaiye, representing Ajeromi/Ifelodun Federal Constituency of Lagos State, questioned the uniformity of the border closure policy, asking whether it applies equally across all regions or selectively.
In response, the committee, chaired by Senator Suleiman Sadiq Umar (APC, Kwara North), urged the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, to consult with the Presidency on finding a solution to the border issues.
Earlier, Dr. Oduwole presented the ministry’s 2025 budget proposal, including N3.8 billion for capital expenditure, N4.65 billion for personnel costs, N1.45 billion for overheads, and a projected revenue of N24 billion. However, the committee identified errors in the documents, such as a mistaken allocation of N59 billion for a N50 billion project, and directed the ministry to make corrections.