The National Assembly’s Joint Committee on Industry, Trade, and Investment has condemned Nigeria’s border closure policy, calling it ineffective in addressing cross-border crimes such as smuggling and banditry.
During the 2025 budget defense session with the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment, lawmakers expressed frustration over the persistent security and economic challenges caused by the country’s porous borders with Niger and Chad.
Senator Francis Fadaunsi, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Industry, described the border closure policy as counterproductive and suggested that officially opening the borders might better serve the economy.
“Border closure is hampering the country’s economic fortunes. Instead of curbing smuggling, it appears to encourage it. For instance, local rice producers meet only 3 million tonnes of the 7 million tonnes needed, leaving the gap to be filled by smuggled goods,” Senator Fadaunsi stated.
Hon. Fatima Talba, representing Nangero/Potiskum Federal Constituency in Yobe State, echoed these concerns, stating that the policy seems ineffective, given the unregulated movement of people and criminals. “We must stop deceiving ourselves about border closure,” she remarked.
Hon. Paul Kalejaiye (Ajeromi/Ifelodun Federal Constituency, Lagos State) questioned the policy’s consistency, asking whether it applies uniformly across all borders or is selectively enforced in specific regions.
The joint committee, chaired by Senator Suleiman Sadiq Umar (APC, Kwara North), urged the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, to engage with the Presidency to explore comprehensive solutions to the border closure issues.
Dr. Oduwole presented the ministry’s 2025 budget, which includes:
- ₦3.8 billion for capital expenditure,
- ₦4.65 billion for personnel costs, and
- ₦1.45 billion for overheads.
The ministry also projected revenue of ₦24 billion for the year.
The committee identified discrepancies in the submitted budget documents, including a project initially budgeted at ₦50 million but awarded at ₦59 million, creating a ₦9 million overage.
When questioned, the Minister and her team attributed the issue to a typographical error. However, the committee directed them to correct the discrepancy before the budget document could be approved
