The National Assembly has strongly criticized Nigeria’s border closure policy, calling it ineffective in tackling crimes like smuggling and banditry while worsening economic and security challenges.
During the 2025 budget defense session with the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment, lawmakers expressed frustration over the unchecked movement across the country’s porous borders with Niger and Chad. Senator Francis Fadaunsi, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Industry, labeled the policy counterproductive, arguing that it fuels smuggling rather than curbing it. “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,” he stated.
Hon. Fatima Talba from Yobe State echoed the sentiment, describing the border closure as an illusion. “We must stop deceiving ourselves about border closure. Criminals and people move freely across these borders as though they were never closed,” she said.
Hon. Paul Kalejaiye of Lagos State questioned the inconsistent application of the policy, suggesting that it appeared selectively enforced in some regions.
In response, the joint committee, chaired by Senator Suleiman Sadiq Umar, called on Minister Dr. Jumoke Oduwole to engage with the Presidency to review the policy and propose comprehensive solutions.
During the session, the committee also flagged discrepancies in the Ministry’s 2024 budget, where a project initially budgeted at N50 million was later awarded for N59 million. The lawmakers rejected the “typographical error” explanation given by the Minister’s team, demanding corrections before the 2025 budget could be approved.
The ongoing criticism highlights growing concerns about Nigeria’s border management and its broader implications for the country’s security and economy.
