The National Assembly, through its joint committee on Industry, Trade and Investment, has declared that Nigeria is fooling itself over border closure in view of cross border banditry taking place in states sharing borders with Niger and the Republic of Chad.
Lamentation on closed but porous borders came to the fore during 2025 budget defence session the joint committee had with the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment.
First to lament on the issue of porous closed borders was the Chairman, Senate Committee on Industry, Senator Francis Adenigba Fadaunsi (PDP Osun East), who said it is better for the borders to be practically opened and not technically closed.
He said the exit of Niger Republic and Chad from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) with attendant opening of their borders to Nigerians was worsening the menace of insecurity across the affected states and by extension, compounding the Nation’s economic woes.
“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 4million tons shortfall is being smuggled into the country since local producers are only producing 3million tons out the expected consumption rate of 7millions”, he said.
Peoplesmind
