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National Assembly demands review of border closure, says policy ‘ineffective’

The National Assembly Joint Committee on Industry, Trade, and Investment on Friday blamed the closure of the Nigerian border for its economic challenges.
The parliament lamented that the policy has failed to curb cross-border crimes, including banditry and smuggling in the country.
The lawmakers took this position during the 2025 budget defence session with the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja.
They expressed frustration over the ongoing security and economic challenges linked to the porous nature of the country’s borders with Niger and Chad, noting that Nigeria might be fooling herself with the decision to close the borders.
In his address, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Industry, Francis Fadaunsi argued that the current border closure policy was counterproductive.
He stressed that it would be more beneficial to open the borders officially rather than maintain the closure that fails to prevent smuggling and insecurity.
Fadaunsi said: “Border closure is hampering the economic fortunes of the country because rather than curb smuggling, it encourages it.
READ ALSO: Nigerian govt reviewing Buhari’s reason for some border closures – New Customs CG, Adeniyi
“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.”
On her part, a member of the House of Representatives for Nangero/Potiskum Federal Constituency in Yobe State, Fatima Talba, said: “The borders appear open, given the unchecked movement of people and criminals. We must stop deceiving ourselves about border closure.
“Going by free movement of people and even criminals across the borders, it is time for us, to stop fooling ourselves with border closure.”
The committee chaired by the Senator representing Kwara North District, Suleiman Sadiq Umar, urged the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, to engage with the Presidency on a comprehensive solution to the border closure policy.
By: Babajide Okeowo
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