By Ima Niboro
The recent suggestion by Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Christopher Musa, to build walls around the country’s borders has sparked a heated debate. Inspired by the US-Mexico border wall, Gen Musa believes this physical barrier would help keep out insurgents and criminals. While the intention to enhance security is commendable, the proposal raises several concerns and overlooks a more effective solution.
When Nigeria severed relations with Niger, Nigeria’s second longest border, the joint border patrols that once helped maintain security along that 1,497 km stretch ceased. While they may have resumed, the mutual hostility between both nations continues to impede true détente, and whether we like it or not, more criminals have been pouring into Nigeria than before relations with Niger went south. This development begs the question: why isn’t Gen Musa calling for a rebuilding of relations between Nigeria and Niger? Instead of focusing on physical barriers, wouldn’t it be more productive to address the root causes of the problem?
One possible reason for Gen Musa’s silence on this matter could be the fear of being perceived as supporting military rule, given his position as a soldier. However, this should not deter him from advocating for diplomatic solutions that can benefit the country. Building relations with neighboring countries is a crucial aspect of regional security, and it’s essential to separate diplomacy from the ridicule of military governance in the age of AI.
The US-Mexico border wall example is definitely not applicable to Nigeria’s situation. The US has a vastly different geography, politics, and economic context. Moreover, the effectiveness of the wall in curbing illegal crossings and crime is disputed. The US wall is to keep out illegal immigrants. In Nigeria’s case, the wall will be to keep out well-armed insurgents, who probably know more than Mexican immigrants what explosives can do to that wall: a wall built at great cost, requiring significant resources that could have been better spent on addressing the socio-economic issues driving insecurity.
Physical barriers can have unintended consequences. They can divert criminal activities to other areas, creating new security challenges. Walls can also hinder economic activities, disrupt social interactions, and strain relationships with neighboring countries. This is especially so because most African borders are mere imaginary lines, separating people of sometimes identical origins, ancestry, and cultures. Building a wall to separate them might in the long run prove counterproductive.
Rather than investing in walls, Nigeria should focus on building trust and cooperation with its neighbors. Strengthening regional ties, enhancing intelligence sharing, and reactivating joint border patrols can yield better results in combating insurgency and crime. By working together with neighboring countries, Nigeria can address the root causes of insecurity, such as poverty, lack of opportunities, and extremist ideologies.
Diplomacy and cooperation can also help tackle the flow of small arms and light weapons, which are often used by insurgents and criminals. By engaging with countries like Niger, Nigeria can develop a more comprehensive approach to security that goes beyond physical barriers. This collaborative approach can also facilitate the sharing of best practices, intelligence, and resources, ultimately enhancing regional security.
Furthermore, building walls would require significant maintenance and manpower, diverting resources away from more pressing security concerns. The Nigerian military and security services would need to deploy personnel to man these walls, taking them away from other critical operations. This could lead to a dilution of security efforts, rather than a strengthening of them.
Another critical aspect to consider is the potential impact on Nigeria’s economy. Building walls would likely disrupt trade and commerce with neighbouring countries, potentially harming the livelihoods of millions of Nigerians who depend on cross-border trade. This could have far-reaching consequences, including increased poverty and unemployment, which could, in turn, exacerbate security challenges.
In addition, the construction of walls would require significant infrastructure development, including roads, lighting, and surveillance systems. This would not only be a costly endeavor but also a logistical nightmare, given the vastness of Nigeria’s borders.
Indeed, while Gen Musa’s concerns about security are valid, building walls is not the solution. Instead, Nigeria should prioritize rebuilding relations with its neighbours, particularly Niger, and focus on regional cooperation to address the root causes of insecurity. By adopting a more collaborative approach, Nigeria can build a more secure future without resorting to costly and potentially counterproductive physical barriers.
The time has also come for Nigeria to choose, metaphorically speaking, between building walls and building relations – the latter is clearly the more effective and sustainable option. As the country navigates the complexities of regional security, it’s essential to prioritize diplomacy, cooperation, and regional ties. By doing so, Nigeria can create a more secure environment, not just for its citizens but for the entire region. The focus should be on building bridges, not walls, and fostering a culture of cooperation and mutual understanding. Only through this approach can Nigeria truly address its security challenges and build a brighter future for its people, and the subregion it is destined to lead.
Ima Niboro, Former Presidential Spokesman, is the Publisher of KeepingThemHonest.ng