Reps Decry Revenue Loss from Prolonged Border Closures

The House of Representatives Committee on Customs and Excise has raised concerns over the prolonged closure of several Nigerian land borders, warning that the policy is hurting national revenue. Committee Chairman, Leke Abejide, speaking during an oversight visit to Nigeria Customs Service Zone B in Kaduna, described the closures as detrimental to economic interests.

Zone B, which covers Kano/Jigawa, Katsina, Sokoto/Zamfara, Kebbi, Niger/Kogi, Kwara, and the FCT, has reported declining revenue despite a significant staff presence. Lawmakers noted that while smuggling activities persist, many Customs commands in the zone have seen revenue sharply reduced due to border shutdowns and worsening insecurity.

In Katsina State, only one of 11 border stations is operational, and even that generates little income, officials said. They added that insecurity, particularly banditry, has made some locations inaccessible to security personnel.

The committee signalled that it might recommend merging underperforming commands to cut costs, stressing that non-productive units should not continue to rely on funds generated by others. Plans are also underway to work with other parliamentary committees and security agencies to find a lasting solution to the twin challenges of insecurity and lost revenue.