Nigeria’s widespread insecurity, including terrorism, banditry, piracy, militancy, and oil theft, is significantly exacerbated by the country’s porous borders, according to Tajudeen Abbas, the Speaker of the House of Representatives

Speaking on Monday at the Legislative Dialogue on Nigeria’s Security Architecture, organised by the House Committee on Constitution Review in Abuja, Abbas, represented by House Leader Julius Ihonvbere, said the country’s border vulnerabilities demand urgent legislative and strategic attention.

“The issue of border security is critical and needs urgent legislative attention. The porous nature of Nigeria’s expansive border makes it vulnerable to crime and criminality,” Abbas stated.

The dialogue is one of several initiatives leading up to a National Security Summit planned by the House of Representatives, aimed at identifying actionable solutions to Nigeria’s worsening security situation.

Abbas noted that the current challenges — including terrorism, banditry, piracy, militancy, and oil theft — have continued to threaten lives and livelihoods across the country.

“Terrorism, banditry, piracy, militancy, and oil theft in different parts of the country combine to make life difficult for Nigerians,” he said. “We, therefore, resolved to take the necessary legislative measures to support the government’s drive to end insecurity.”

He emphasized the need for a multi-dimensional and technology-driven response backed by legal and institutional reforms. “The complex and dynamic nature of our security challenges demands approaches that are inclusive, multi-sectoral, and supported by strong institutional frameworks,” he added.

Abbas also recalled previous steps taken by the parliament, including a national dialogue on state policing in April 2014 and a technical workshop on police reforms in November 2024, all geared towards building a more accountable and community-responsive security system.

Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who leads the Constitution Review Committee, emphasized the need to modernize outdated legal frameworks.

He pointed out that laws affecting security governance have often been developed without thoroughly assessing the real gaps and challenges faced by those on the ground. Comparing the legislative process to medical diagnosis, Kalu stressed that policymakers must rely on precise analysis to implement effective solutions.

Earlier this month, Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa proposed constructing fences along Nigeria’s borders to strengthen national security. He referenced Pakistan and Saudi Arabia as nations that have implemented similar measures to counter security threats.