Fadaunsi, argued that keeping the borders “technically closed” while they remain practically porous defeats the purpose. “The exit of Niger Republic and Chad from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), coupled with their open borders to Nigerians, is exacerbating insecurity across affected states and compounding our economic woes,” . Photo Credit: News Scope File
The National Assembly, through its Joint Committee on Industry, Trade, and Investment, has criticized Nigeria’s ongoing border closure policy, describing it as counterproductive in light of the increasing cross-border banditry affecting states bordering Niger and Chad.
During the 2025 budget defense session with the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment, lawmakers expressed concerns over the inefficient of the border closure, citing its economic and security implications.
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Industry, Senator Francis Adenigba Fadaunsi (PDP, Osun East), was the first to address the issue.
He further highlighted how the policy is failing to curb smuggling, particularly in rice production, where Nigeria faces a shortfall of 4 million tonnes.
“Rather than curb smuggling, border closure encourages it. For example, while local producers can only meet 3 million tonnes of the 7 million tonnes required, the deficit is being smuggled into the country,” he explained.
Another member of the committee, Hon. Fatima Talba, representing Nangero/Potiskum Federal Constituency of Yobe State, criticized the policy, arguing that the borders remain effectively open despite the government’s claims. “Given the free movement of people, including criminals, across the borders, it is time we stop fooling ourselves with this so-called border closure,” she asserted.
Hon. Paul Kalejaiye, representing Ajeromi/Ifelodun Federal Constituency of Lagos State, questioned the selective implementation of the border policy. “We need clarity on this policy. Are all borders across the nation closed, or are certain segments of the country affected?” Kalejaiye asked.
In response to the concerns raised, the committee, chaired by Senator Suleiman Sadiq Umar (APC, Kwara North), urged the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, to engage the Presidency on resolving the border closure challenges.
Dr. Oduwole, in her budget presentation to the committee , said the sum of N3.8billion is earmarked for capital expenditure in the 2025 fiscal year , N4.65billion for personnel cost , N1.45billion for overhead and projected revenue of N2 4billion.
The committee, ordered the ministry to go and correct some errors observed in the documents submitted , particularly N59 billion erroneously written as payment for N50 billion project .
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