Anti-smuggling activities and border development in Nigeria: an evidence-based analysis

This paper examines the impact of anti-smuggling activities on border development in Nigeria, focusing on security, economic growth, and socio-political stability. While anti-smuggling operations aim to curb illicit trade and enforce legal compliance, they have significantly influenced border communities’ liveli-hoods. It addresses a pressing issue in Nigeria’s economic and security landscape—smuggling—by examining the effectiveness of anti-smuggling activities and their implications for border development. It becomes significant by providing insights beyond conventional enforcement narratives. It becomes novel by distinguishing itself using an evidence-based approach to explore the intersection between anti-smuggling measures and border development. This paper employs qualitative research methods, analysing primary and secondary data sources. Findings suggest that while anti-smuggling operations enhance national security by reducing illicit trade, they also disrupt economic activities in border com-munities. The paper concludes that a comprehensive approach integrating security measures with in-frastructural and socio-economic interventions is essential for sustainable border development. The paper recommends a balanced approach integrating effective border security policies with economic empowerment initiatives to achieve sustainable border development.