Federal lawmakers in both chambers of the National Assembly have expressed strong reservations about the effectiveness of border closure by the Federal Government.
Speaking at the Joint Committees on Industry, Trade and Investment on 2025 Budget Defence by the Trade Ministry, Senator representing Osun East, Senator Francis Adenigba Fadaunsi noted that the exit of Niger Republic and Chad from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) with the consequent opening of their borders to Nigerians are worsening the menace of insecurity across the affected states.
He said:” Border closure is hampering the economic fortunes of the country because rather than curb smuggling, it encourages it.
“For example on rice production alone, the largest percentage of 4 million tonnes shortfall is being smuggled into the country since local producers are only producing 3 million tonnes out of the expected consumption rate of 7 million tonnes.”
In her submission, House of Representatives member representing Nangero/ Potiskum Federal Constituency of Yobe State, Hon Fatima Talba, declared that the borders in her constituent were technically open, not closed.
“Going by free movement of people and even criminals across the borders, it is time for us, to stop fooling ourselves with border closure.”
Paul Kalejaiye representing Ajeromi / Ifelodun Federal Constituency of Lagos State in the House of Representatives, also spoke in similar vein.
“We need to even ask the question on the border policy being implemented. Are all borders across the Nation closed or those closed are from a segment of the country.”
The Committee later urged the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole who came for the budget defence session, to liaise with the Presidency on the way out of the border closure.
Oduwole had earlier in her 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.
