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ABUJA – The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Right Honourable Tajudeen Abbas, has officially inaugurated an Ad Hoc Committee tasked with reviewing and reinforcing Nigeria’s border security, calling on members to handle the assignment with utmost seriousness given its significance to national safety.

Speaking at the National Assembly on Tuesday, Speaker Abbas, represented by the Minority Whip, Hon. Ali Isa, underscored that the country’s security challenges are not driven by ethnicity or religion. He reiterated the House’s commitment to ensuring the protection and welfare of all Nigerians.

“This committee has been established with an urgent and clear mandate to examine and strengthen Nigeria’s border security framework,” the Speaker said. “It reflects the House’s determination to remain a responsive People’s House, attentive to the fears and aspirations of our citizens. Every Nigerian, regardless of their background, should live peacefully anywhere in the country.”

He stressed that the panel would be instrumental in addressing violent acts by fringe elements that have distorted Nigeria’s image. “These violent acts are not religiously motivated. If left unchecked, our porous borders threaten both the economy and national security,” he warned.

Speaker Abbas added that lawmakers have a constitutional duty to ensure border protection agencies perform effectively. He highlighted that misuse of border routes for smuggling, illegal migration, and other illicit activities endangers national unity and peace.

“In many ways, borders define a nation,” he noted. “They determine how citizens are protected, trade is regulated, and visitors are welcomed.”

He further explained that the committee’s work would require active engagement with all stakeholders, including government ministries, security agencies, and relevant partners. Members are expected to conduct interviews, review records, and inspect key border points to evaluate operational and technological capabilities.

“The committee must operate with transparency and diligence,” Speaker Abbas emphasized. “It should identify weaknesses, operational gaps, and compromised officials, while assessing how allocated funds are spent. Legislative and policy recommendations should be based on these findings.”

Acknowledging the multi-agency nature of border security, the Speaker called for coordination, transparency, and patriotism from all relevant institutions. “Effective border management demands collaboration among military, paramilitary, intelligence, and law enforcement agencies. Border communities must also be active partners in safeguarding the nation,” he said.

He also stressed the need for unified operational frameworks, proper training, and welfare for border personnel. “The House of Representatives is committed to enhancing border governance through legislation, oversight, and budget support. Funds appropriated for border security must be managed responsibly,” he added.

Chairman of the committee, Hon. Isa Mohammed Anka, reiterated the urgency of addressing insecurity and illicit cross-border activities. He described the committee’s assignment as a “critical national responsibility,” emphasizing the connection between border security and the safety and prosperity of Nigerians.

Anka noted that Nigeria, spanning 923,768 square kilometers and sharing borders with Benin, Niger, Chad, and Cameroon, faces mounting threats from illegal activities including arms smuggling, human trafficking, and drug trade.

Citing research, he revealed that out of 1,978 border entry points, only 84 are officially manned, leaving 1,894 routes exposed to criminal exploitation. Factors undermining effective security include limited funding, insufficient logistics, personnel shortages, difficult terrain, and corruption among some officials.

Despite federal spending of over ₦9 trillion in recent years on security, Anka emphasized that border protection remains a work in progress. While acknowledging the efforts of agencies such as the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Nigerian Navy, NDLEA, Nigerian Police, and the Army, he called for enhanced coordination and accountability.

“As a committee, we are committed to proposing practical strategies and recommendations that will significantly reduce these security threats,” Anka said. He urged close collaboration between federal agencies, border communities, and regional partners to ensure lasting solutions.

“Securing our borders protects Nigeria’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the lives of every citizen. The challenges are significant, but our determination is greater,” he concluded.

The inauguration was attended by lawmakers, heads of security agencies, ministry representatives, and members of the press.