In a bold critique of the federal government’s border closure policy, the National Assembly’s Joint Committee on Industry, Trade, and Investment has described the initiative as a flawed experiment that has exacerbated the very problems it sought to address.
Lawmakers called for an urgent reassessment of the policy during the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment’s 2025 budget defense session on Friday.
Senator Francis Adenigba Fadaunsi (PDP, Osun East), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Industry, did not mince words when he labeled the border closure as ‘technically closed but practically open.’
He argued that instead of curbing smuggling and insecurity, the policy has created loopholes for illicit activities.
“Smugglers and criminals have become more innovative, taking advantage of porous and unmonitored routes.
Meanwhile, legitimate businesses and local farmers suffer under the illusion of protection,” Fadaunsi said.
The Senator highlighted the glaring gap in rice production, revealing that Nigeria produces only 3 million tonnes annually while the national demand is 7 million tonnes. The deficit is being filled by illegal imports, he added, proving the policy’s ineffectiveness.
The border closure has also aggravated tensions with neighboring countries. The withdrawal of Niger and Chad from the ECOWAS trade agreement has not only worsened smuggling but also heightened insecurity in border regions.
Hon. Fatima Talba (Nangero/Potiskum Federal Constituency, Yobe State) pointed to the irony of the situation. “While the government claims to have closed the borders, the reality is that goods and criminals continue to flow freely. This façade is costing Nigeria its security and economic stability,” she said.
Hon. Paul Kalejaiye (Ajeromi/Ifelodun Federal Constituency, Lagos State) questioned whether the policy is being uniformly implemented. “We need to ask ourselves: are all borders truly closed, or is this policy selectively enforced based on regional or political interests?”

His remarks hint at deeper governance and transparency issues, calling into question the sincerity and competence of the federal authorities managing the initiative.
As lawmakers debated the border policy, the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment’s 2025 budget presentation revealed unsettling discrepancies. Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, the Minister, disclosed a ₦3.8 billion capital expenditure for the year, alongside personnel costs of ₦4.65 billion and overheads of ₦1.45 billion. Projected revenue stood at ₦2.4 billion.

However, the session uncovered a ₦59 billion payment anomaly in the Ministry’s 2024 budget.
The committee directed the Ministry to resolve these irregularities, with Senator Suleiman Sadiq Umar (APC, Kwara North), the committee chairman, emphasizing that accountability is key to policy success.
As Nigeria faces mounting economic and security challenges, lawmakers stressed that the border closure policy requires an urgent overhaul.
They called on Dr. Oduwole to work with the Presidency to design a more inclusive and strategic framework that prioritizes national interests.

The debate underscored a growing consensus: Nigeria can no longer afford to cling to policies that fail to deliver results.
Instead, it must embrace transparency, innovation, and collaboration to address the root causes of its challenges. Only then can the nation achieve sustainable security and economic growth.

Senator representing Abia-North Senatorial District, Orji Uzor Kalu, has championed regional economic competition among Nigeria’s 36 states as a critical catalyst for sustainable growth.
He expressed confidence that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ongoing reforms will stabilize the economy and lay a solid foundation for long-term prosperity.
During a New Year’s visit to Chief Daniel Eke, a former Abia State governorship aspirant, Kalu underscored the urgent need to modernize Nigeria’s economic and legal frameworks, citing outdated policies that hinder growth and innovation.
Commending Tinubu’s Tax Reform Bills as bold and progressive, Kalu highlighted the importance of public engagement to build understanding and ensure smoother implementation.
“Economic progress requires adaptation to modern strategies,” Kalu stated. “Tinubu’s reforms address systemic issues, but Nigerians must understand their purpose to fully embrace them.”
Drawing inspiration from China’s model of regional competition, Kalu proposed an economic structure that empowers states to leverage their unique resources. He argued that such an approach would stimulate innovation, attract investments, and reduce dependence on federal allocations.
“Nigeria’s states must stop waiting for handouts from Abuja,” Kalu emphasized. “Instead, they should develop industries, harness natural resources, and compete for economic leadership—just as China’s provinces have done for decades.”
Kalu further stressed that no state in Nigeria lacks the resources to thrive but pointed to a shortage of strategic planning and competitive drive as major obstacles.
“No state is inherently poor,” he noted. “We must cultivate innovation, industrialization, and self-sufficiency to unlock Nigeria’s full potential.”
Acknowledging the economic hardships caused by reforms, Kalu appealed for patience, assuring Nigerians that tangible improvements will emerge in 2025.
“Economic restructuring is never painless,” he admitted. “But the administration is aware of the challenges and is committed to easing the transition.”
Chief Daniel Eke echoed Kalu’s sentiments, commending his focus on sustainable empowerment and infrastructure, as opposed to superficial interventions.
“Senator Kalu is investing in industries and job creation rather than distributing frying pans as empowerment tools,” Eke remarked. “This is the leadership Nigeria needs.”
Kalu reaffirmed his commitment to prioritizing grassroots empowerment and infrastructure development. He emphasized that his transition from private business to public service was driven by a desire to uplift Nigerians.
“I left my multimillion-dollar businesses to serve as Senator,” Kalu declared. “My focus remains on policies and programs that foster economic growth and improve lives.”
Kalu concluded with a call for reforming outdated laws, building more educational institutions, and enabling each region to harness its full potential.
“Economic reforms, regional competition, and resilience will transform Nigeria,” he said. “We must approach this journey with determination and patience to build a more competitive and prosperous nation.”

The senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, and her husband, High Chief Emmanuel Uduaghan, have brought smiles to their constituents through a large-scale empowerment program to celebrate the Yuletide season.

The initiative, which unfolded in four phases, targeted market women, farmers, and elderly women across the five local government areas in the senatorial district.
A statement by her Chief Press Secretary, Arogbonlo Israel indicated that In Okene Local Government, beneficiaries received a tricycle and a sewing machine, while participants in Adavi Local Government went home with a tricycle and a deep freezer.
“Winners in Ajaokuta Local Government were presented with a grinding machine and a sewing machine, and their counterparts in Ogori-Magongo Local Government took home a deep freezer and a grinding machine. In Okehi Local Government, each winner received a sewing machine.
“Elderly women were not left out, as a spinning game was organized for them with prizes such as wrappers, bowls, and groceries distributed to participants.
“A total of 250 individuals, mostly women, benefited from the program, receiving business-support tools like deep freezers, grinding machines, and sewing machines to enhance their livelihoods.
The empowerment initiative was fully sponsored by High Chief Emmanuel Uduaghan, the Alema of Warri Kingdom, as part of efforts to promote entrepreneurship and financial independence among women and small-scale business owners.
Addressing the beneficiaries, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan emphasized her commitment to improving the economic prospects of women and families in her constituency.
“This program focuses on empowering women, especially mothers, to strengthen their financial base and support their entrepreneurial pursuits,” the senator remarked.
The senator also rewarded members of her team with tricycles in appreciation of their dedication and contributions to her projects.
This latest intervention comes just two months after Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan empowered 1,300 constituents and launched a series of legacy projects to mark her first year in office.
The event attracted notable dignitaries, including former House of Representatives member Abdulrahman Badamasiu, Kogi State PDP Deputy Chairman Alhaji Yahaya Karaku, party stakeholders, community leaders, market women, and farmers.