FG N52bn E-Border Project Fails To Halt Illegal Migration

Despite the Federal Government’s multi-billion-naira border surveillance systems launched in 2019, illegal migrants, including bandits, terrorists, and kidnappers, continue to cross into Nigeria from neighboring countries.

Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo confirmed that over half of Nigeria’s borders are now automated, and by October 2024, the first phase of the e-border surveillance project, including marine borders, will be completed.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that however, despite these advancements, illegal migration continues, particularly at the Baruten/Kaiama border, even though the government has closed the border.

Residents of border communities like Baruten and Ilara report daily illegal crossings from the Republic of Benin, with former Baruten Chairman Abdulrasheed Abdullahi noting that the e-border control system has not stopped migration.

The project, initially approved with N52bn in 2019, faced delays and didn’t start until 2022, yet illegal entry persists due to Nigeria’s extensive borders. The Nigeria Immigration Service has deployed e-border systems at over 80 crossing points nationwide, but residents and local leaders continue to witness illegal immigration.

Oba Akintunde Akinyemi of Ogun State criticized the system as ineffective, calling it a “white elephant project” while attributing increased crime to uncontrolled immigration.

In Jigawa and Taraba, communities share deep-rooted ties with neighboring countries, making border control challenging. Residents in Maigatari report ongoing cross-border activities despite e-border efforts.

In Cross River, traditional rulers and youth leaders pledged support to combat illegal migration, with some claiming that tightened security measures have reduced such incidents.

E-Border Illegal Migration

However, challenges remain as porous borders and insufficient resources continue to facilitate the movement of undocumented immigrants across Nigeria’s borders. Local vigilantes report that illegal immigration persists despite security patrols, highlighting the ongoing difficulty in managing border control effectively.