National Assembly has expressed strong reservations about the effectiveness of the Federal Government border closure policy.
This was disclosed by the Joint Committees on Industry, Trade and Investment on 2025 Budget Defence by the Trade Ministry, Senator representing Osun East, Senator Francis Adenigba Fadaunsi.
According to Fadaunsi, 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.
“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. This is because the local producers are only producing 3 million tonnes out of the expected consumption rate of 7 million tonnes.”
In her submission, the House of Representatives member representing Nangero/ Potiskum Federal Constituency of Yobe State, Hon Fatima Talba, concurred. She declared that the borders in her constituency were technically open, not closed.
She said, “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 representative of Ajeromi/Ifelodun Federal Constituency of Lagos State in the House of Representatives, Paul Kalejaiye also spoke in similar vein.
He said, “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 to liaise with the Presidency. It urged the Minister to find a way out of the border closure challenges.
In her earlier presentation, Oduwole said the sum of N3.8billion has been earmarked for capital expenditure in the 2025 fiscal year.
She also pointed out that N4.65billion earmarked for personnel cost. And N1.45billion for overhead and projected revenue of N2 4billion.
source: Nigerian Tribune
Follow us for more news on our WhatsApp News Channels @
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaC505jB4hdZ5Yx9g82U
