…says insecurity not driven by religion or ethnicity
Abbas decried the growing use of border corridors for smuggling, irregular migration, and other illicit activities that undermine national peace and unity.
By Deborah Hassan
365Daily – The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has inaugurated an ad hoc committee to investigate and strengthen Nigeria’s border security system, describing the task as vital to the country’s sovereignty and safety.
Speaking at the inauguration of the committee at the National Assembly on Tuesday, Speaker Abbas, represented by the Minority Whip, Hon. Ali Isa, said the worsening security situation across Nigeria was not rooted in religion or ethnicity but in structural and governance lapses that demanded urgent attention.
“Today, we inaugurate this committee with a clear and urgent mandate to examine and strengthen Nigeria’s border security architecture in the interest of national safety and sovereignty,” Abbas said. “This interactive session reflects the commitment of the House to run a People’s House – one that is responsive to the fears and aspirations of our people.”
The Speaker said the House was determined to ensure that Nigerians, regardless of ethnic or religious background, can live peacefully and productively wherever they choose.
He explained that the creation of the committee was part of the parliament’s legislative efforts to provide practical solutions to violent attacks and other crimes that had distorted the true image of the country.
“These acts of violence are not driven by any religious agenda,” he stressed. “As lawmakers, we have a constitutional duty to ensure that agencies responsible for safeguarding our borders carry out their duties effectively, especially now that porous borders pose both economic and existential threats.”
Abbas decried the growing use of border corridors for smuggling, irregular migration, and other illicit activities that undermine national peace and unity. He said only a thorough investigation and decisive legislative intervention could offer sustainable solutions.
“In some ways, your borders define you as a nation. It shows what kind of people you allow into your country, how you protect citizens from harm, how you handle trade and commerce, and how you welcome visitors,” he noted.
The Speaker said the committee’s work would require an evidence-based approach, including interrogating officials, examining documents, and engaging with all relevant security and enforcement agencies. He tasked members to visit key border posts to assess their operational efficiency and technological capacity.
“The committee must be as thorough and transparent as possible,” he charged. “The goal is to identify vulnerabilities, operational shortcomings, and even compromised border officials. You must review how monies allocated to relevant agencies are spent and determine whether international agreements have complicated our border situation.”
Abbas emphasised that effective border management required synergy and coordination among multiple agencies, urging them to eliminate duplication of roles and develop unified operational frameworks.
“Border security cannot be achieved in isolation,” he said. “It requires a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach — one that harmonises the efforts of the military, paramilitary, intelligence, and law enforcement agencies, promotes intelligence sharing, and ensures that communities at the borders are active partners in safeguarding our nation.”
The Speaker also called for improved welfare and training for security personnel deployed at border posts, saying that no agency can perform optimally without motivated officers.
He reaffirmed the House’s commitment to strengthening border governance through effective legislation, rigorous oversight, and adequate budgetary support.
“We are determined to ensure that all appropriated funds meant for border security are judiciously utilised and that accountability, transparency, and efficiency remain our guiding principles,” he said.
Abbas added that the findings and recommendations of the committee would guide the House in introducing legislative and policy reforms, including possible amendments to the Immigration Act, the Customs and Excise Management Act, and other relevant laws to align with global best practices.