Critical Analysis of 2019 Border Closure by the Nigerian Government and Implications on West African Sub-Regional Security

The paper critically examines the far-reaching implications of Nigeria's border closure of August 2019 on the economic and political landscapes of the neighbouring African states of Benin Republic, Cameroon, Chad and Niger. The Nigerian government's decision to shut its borders, primarily aimed at curbing smuggling, illegal cross-border activities, undocumented migration and enhancing domestic industries, had unintended consequences that reverberated across the region. Previous studies largely focused on transnational organized crimes across states’ borders with little attention given to the implications of border closure in West Africa. The study is designed to examine the rationale behind Nigerian government’s closure of her land borders, and as well interrogate the implications on the neighbouring states’ national security. The paper adopts the dependency theory to explain the closure issues while the case study design. Data are collected using the secondary sources. Findings reveal that the Nigerian government shut the border to enable her develop effective policies and foster regional cooperation; and to as well enlighten the neighbouring countries devise strategies to diversify their economies, reduce dependency, and enhance resilience to external shocks. The paper recommends there is a need for dialogue and collaboration to address cross-border challenges, security and legal initiatives between Nigeria and her sister's state to war against unhealthy activities at the border. This paper, however, concludes by shedding light on the interconnectedness of nations in the African context, emphasising the cruciality of a holistic approach to policy formulation and implementation, fostering cooperation and sustainable development within the continent.