The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) raised the alarm over the escalating smuggling of agricultural produce from Nigeria to neighbouring countries, warning of the grave consequences to the country’s food security and sovereignty.

National Coordinator of HURIWA, EMMANUEL ONWUBIKO, condemned the perceived systemic failure within Nigeria’s Immigration and border security apparatus, due to the inability to check smuggling of vital resources.

The organisation asserted that the illicit trade not only deprives Nigerians of essential food items but also worsens food scarcity and inflation.

HURIWA said the porous state of Nigeria’s borders has become a glaring vulnerability undermining the government’s ability to uphold territorial integrity. 

The group also reiterated its longstanding call for immediate action to fortify Nigeria’s borders, particularly the porous areas vulnerable to illicit activities. 

HURIWA urged the Nigerian government to take decisive action to address the systemic challenges undermining the nation’s food security and sovereignty. 

The association further called for increased investment in border security infrastructure, enhanced collaboration with neighbouring countries to combat cross-border crimes and the strict enforcement of laws against smuggling and illicit trade.