Speaker House of Representatives, Dr. Tajudeen Abbas, has expressed the House commitment in ensuring that Nigerians are secure and live peacefully anywhere in the country, regardless of their ethnicity or religion. Dr. Tajudeen stated this in Abuja at the inauguration of the Ad-hoc Committee on Border Security
The Speaker, who was represented by the Minority Whip of the House, Mr. Ali Jessy, said the security and welfare of citizens remain at the core of the legislature’s agenda and that the newly inaugurated committee would play a critical role in strengthening Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
He noted that the committee’s task is to examine and overhaul the country’s border security framework to address the growing threats of cross-border crimes, including the smuggling of arms, illicit trade, human trafficking, and the infiltration of criminal elements.
While inaugurating the committee, the Speaker stated that the security issues in the country are not caused by religion or ethnicity.
He said the use of Nigeria’s border corridors for smuggling, irregular migration, and other illicit activities is threatening the unity and peaceful coexistence of the country.
Chairman of the House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee on Border Security, Alhaji Isa Anka, pledged that the committee will come up with practical strategies and recommendations to address the growing threats along Nigeria’s borders and restore public confidence in national security.
Alhaji Anka described the assignment as a crucial national duty, given the alarming rise in cross-border crimes such as arms smuggling, drug trafficking, and human trafficking.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, called for an urgent review of Nigeria’s border security laws, funding model, and operational systems to better protect the country’s territorial integrity and curb cross-border crimes.
Mrs. Ajani warned that Nigeria’s vast and porous borders remain vulnerable to smugglers, human traffickers, and other criminal networks, adding that the absence of a coordinated national border security policy has further weakened inter-agency collaboration and intelligence sharing.
She noted that while the NIS has made progress through technology-driven projects, these efforts are limited by low technology penetration and inadequate logistics.
