Federal lawmakers in both chambers of the National Assembly have expressed strong reservations about the effectiveness of border closure by the Federal Government.

Speaking at the Joint Committees on Industry, Trade and Investment on 2025 Budget Defence by the Trade Ministry, Senator representing Osun East, Senator Francis Adenigba Fadaunsi noted that 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.

He said:” 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 since local producers are only producing 3 million tonnes out of the expected consumption rate of 7 million tonnes.”

In her submission, House of Representatives member representing Nangero/ Potiskum Federal Constituency of Yobe State, Hon Fatima Talba, declared that the borders in her constituent were technically open, not closed.

“Going by free movement of people and even criminals across the borders, it is time for us, to stop fooling ourselves with border closure.”

Paul Kalejaiye representing Ajeromi / Ifelodun Federal Constituency of Lagos State in the House of Representatives, also spoke in similar vein.

“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 who came for the budget defence session, to liaise with the Presidency on the way out of the border closure.

Oduwole had earlier in her presentation to the committee, said the sum of N3.8billion is earmarked for capital expenditure in the 2025 fiscal year, N4.65billion for personnel cost, N1.45billion for overhead and projected revenue of N2 4billion.

Again, the national grid has collapsed again making it a record eleventh blackout experienced by Nigerians.

A BusinessDay report quotes data obtained from the Nigerian System Operator’s portal (niggrid.org), as indicating that the collapse occurred at 1:56 p.m.

This incident follows a pattern of instability, with the grid suffering about 12 consecutive collapses in 2024,” the report says.

It adds that the cause of the latest failure is yet to be disclosed.

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

L R: Chairman of the APC in Kano State, Prince Abdullahi Abbas, former commissioner for Rural and Community Development in Kano State, Hon Abbas Sani Abbas and the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I Jibrin when the ex-commissioner joined the APC at the residence of Senator Barau in Kano on Friday.

Abbas Sani Abbas, former Commissioner for Rural and Community Development in Kano State, has officially dumped the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), and joined the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The announcement was made during his visit to a prominent APC leader in Kano, where he pledged his allegiance to the ruling party.

Hon. Abbas, known for his grassroots mobilization and dedication to community development, explained his decision to switch parties.

“I believe the APC offers the platform to achieve the vision of a better Kano and a stronger Nigeria. My move is guided by a desire to contribute more effectively to good governance and development,” he stated during his visit.

The defection was celebrated by top APC leaders in Kano, including the party’s state chairman, Prince Abdullahi Abbas, popularly known as Ɗan Sarki, Jikan Sarki, and other key stakeholders.

Welcoming Hon. Abbas to the party, the APC leader commended his decision and assured him of full support. “Hon. Abbas Sani Abbas is a dedicated grassroots mobilizer and a leader committed to the service of humanity. We are proud to have him join our great party,” he remarked.

Speaking further, the APC leader emphasized the party’s commitment to inclusivity and development. “Together, we will continue to promote the values of good governance, inclusivity, and service to humanity. This is a significant moment for our party in Kano as we strengthen our ranks with capable individuals like Hon. Abbas,” he added.

Prince Abdullahi Abbas also expressed confidence that the former commissioner’s experience and dedication would add value to the party’s efforts in Kano State and beyond.

Party loyalists and political observers in Kano have hailed the defection as a significant boost for the APC, particularly in its grassroots mobilization efforts. Many believe Hon. Abbas’s entry into the APC will solidify the party’s influence in rural communities across the state.

Hon. Abbas concluded by expressing optimism about his new political journey. “I am fully committed to working with the APC leadership to ensure a brighter future for Kano State and Nigeria as a whole,” he said.