The National Assembly, through its joint committee on Industry, Trade, and Investment, has criticized Nigeria’s border closure policy, labeling it ineffective in curbing cross-border crimes such as banditry and smuggling.
During the 2025 budget defence session with the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment, lawmakers expressed frustration over the ongoing security and economic challenges linked to the porous nature of the country’s borders with Niger and Chad, as it says Nigeria might be fooling herself.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Industry, Senator Francis Fadaunsi argued that the current border closure policy is counterproductive.
He suggested that it might be more beneficial to open the borders officially rather than maintain the illusion of a closure that fails to prevent smuggling and insecurity.
The member representing Nangero/Potiskum Federal Constituency in Yobe State, Fatima Talba reechoed similar sentiments, stating that in her experience, the borders appear open, given the unchecked movement of people and criminals..
