Across Nigeria’s 5,330 kilometers of borders, unlawful migration remains a major security problem despite the Federal Government’s ₦52 billion investment in an e-border surveillance system.
Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo announced in May 2024 that over half of Nigeria’s borders are now monitored using advanced technology. 
However, communities along the borders report minimal improvement, highlighting gaps in enforcement and infrastructure.
Speaking on a national television program, Tunji-Ojo stated, “By October 2024, the first phase of the e-border surveillance project, including marine borders, will be completed.
We now have command and control systems for air and land monitoring.” He added that 250 trained Immigration Service personnel work in shifts at the e-border control center to secure the nation.
According to Punch Online, border residents in Kwara State’s Baruten Local Government Area revealed that migrants from Benin Republic continue crossing daily, despite border closures.
Abdulrasheed Abdullahi, the former chairman of Baruten LGA, lamented, “Illegal migration has persisted, facilitated by numerous undocumented routes,” highlighting the ineffectiveness of existing measures.
The Similarly, residents in Ogun State’s Ilara community described the project as a “white elephant” due to visible lapses in physical barriers and surveillance.
Meanwhile, border communities in northern states like Jigawa, which share boundaries with Niger Republic, pointed to economic and cultural ties as challenges to strict enforcement.
Local leaders highlighted the influx of undocumented migrants and stressed the need for a balanced approach that considers historical ties.
In Taraba State, residents cited rugged terrain as a key barrier to effective border security, with reports linking undocumented migrants to rising criminal activities.
Efforts to combat illegal migration have drawn mixed reactions.
While traditional leaders in Cross River State praised improved monitoring, they emphasized collaboration between government agencies and local stakeholders to address the root causes.
Border control officials have called for additional resources and advanced technology to enhance the system.
However, residents continue to question whether the substantial funds allocated for the e-border surveillance system are yielding tangible results.
As the government works to strengthen border control, many stakeholders stress the importance of investing in infrastructure, education, and economic opportunities in border areas to provide sustainable solutions to the ongoing crisis.
