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ABSTRACT
Just like in 1984 and 2003 when Nigeria’s borders were closed to the neighbouring countries, the closure of Nigeria’s land border since August 2019 which is intended to combat smuggling of goods and to boost manufacturing and agricultural production has been subject of controversy. This paper observes that although the border closure may have brought some advantages in the area of increased revenue, numerous seizures of illegal materials and encourages local production of rice, the appraisal of the legal, economic, political and security implications however reveal that despite the perceived advantages, it may not be the best option. It concedes that the closure of the Nigerian borders is an exercise within its sovereign authority; but however, notes that the effect of an arbitrary border closure without sufficient notice adversely affects the interests of genuine businessmen as this amounts to a breach of their fundamental right of doing legitimate business across the border. It recommends viable legal options which the government can explore in line with standard global practice such as systemic efforts to boost the economy, by ensuring effective control, management, monitoring and protection of the border. It calls for regional integration and less burdensome procedures without undermining national interests.
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Notes on contributors
Musa Godwin Omale
Musa Omale, born in Kaduna on 7th June 1966, obtained a First degree in law in 1989 form the Ahmadu Bello University Zaria Nigeria and was called to the Nigerian Bar in December 1990. He holds a Doctorate degree in law from the University of Nigeria Nsukka. He is a currently a Deputy Controller with the Nigeria Custom Service.
John Funsho Olorunfemi
Dr. John Funsho Olorunfemi is a lecturer in the Department of Customary and Indigenous law, University of Nigeria. He obtained his LLB from Obafemi Awolowo University Ile Ife, Nigeria and LLM, PhD in law from the University of Nigeria. He is the Editor-in-chief of Law and Policy Review; Editor-in-chief of Petroleum, Natural Resources and Environmental Law Journal; Managing Editor of Nigeria Journal of Public Law and Managing Editor of Journal of Contemporary Law.
Femi Ola Aiyegbajeje
Femi Ola Aiyegbajeje is a PhD degree in geography from Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ibadan, Nigeria. He is currently a lecturer at the Department of Geography, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Lagos, Nigeria. His research interest is in transport geography and regional development. He has some publications to his credit.