INTERAGENCY FRAGMENTATION AND BORDER SECURITY PERFORMANCE IN NIGERIA

Abstract

This study assessed interagency fragmentation and border security performance in Nigeria by focusing on detection efficiency, trade facilitation, and revenue protection within an integrated risk management framework. A qualitative cross-sectional survey was conducted among personnel of the Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, Standards Organisation of Nigeria, and Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service. Of the 250 questionnaires distributed through stratified random sampling, 228 valid responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression. Based on the findings, the respondents reported high levels of information-sharing deficiency, operational duplication, and coordination gaps, while the three performance dimensions remained moderate. Fragmentation dimensions were negatively associated with performance, and the regression model explained 61.0% of its variance (R = 0.781; adjusted R² = 0.598; F = 58.443; p < 0.001). Coordination gaps were the strongest negative predictor (β = −0.387), followed by information-sharing deficiency (β = −0.312) and operational duplication (β = −0.241). Integrated risk management positively predicted performance (β = 0.296). The findings show that, institutional integration is an operational necessity rather than a purely administrative reform.  Based on the findings, it was suggested that, Nigeria should establish interoperable border information systems, common risk-assessment standards, permanent coordination mechanisms, joint inspections, and clearer mandates. These measures would improve threat detection, reduce clearance delays, and strengthen customs compliance and revenue protection.