Multi-criterion decision-making approach to prioritize strategies for combating smuggling and border control Along the north-east borders of Nigeria

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Smuggling is a worldwide issue that leads to serious problem of insecurity, health risks, money laundering, the extinction of endangered species, and the premature collapse of local industries due to illegal trade. North-East region of Nigeria, is significantly affected by these smuggling challenges. Despite various efforts by stakeholders over time, to find a lasting solution has been difficult. This research aims to identify a more effective approach to address the problem of combating smuggling and border control. The study utilizes the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) approach with multiple respondents to assess different strategies to reducing problem of smuggling and border control along North-East borders of Nigeria. The strategies considered include; Physical Patrol (PP), Border Closure (BC), Perimeter Fencing (PF), Electronic/Digital Camera Surveillance (ED), and Mechanical/Drone Surveillance (MD). These strategies were assessed with the following criteria; Cost Efficiency (CES), Efficiency in Trade Facilitation (ETF), Efficiency in Revenue Generation (ERG), and Efficiency in Combating Smuggling (ECS). Data were collected from four experts respondents (senior customs officers in the north-east geopolitical zone of Nigeria), using a structured Saaty 9-point scale questionnaire. Purposive sampling was employed for respondents’ selection. The experts' judgments were aggregated using the geometric mean.
Pairwise comparison matrices were created, and the consistency of each aggregated pairwise comparison judgments were tested. The consistency ratio of pairwise comparison judgements of the criteria by the respondents is 0.0500 and, that of the alternatives with respect to each criterion; Cost Efficiency (CES), Efficiency in Trade Facilitation (ETF), Efficiency in Revenue Generation (ERG), and Efficiency in Combating Smuggling (ECS)
were 0.07148, 0.0373, 0.0393, and 0.0239, respectively. The values of the consistency ratios were less than 0.1 indicates, the judgments were consistent. The findings shows that ED ranked first (1St) as the most effective strategy, followed by PP ranked second (2nd), PF and BC were closely ranked third (3rd) and fourth (4th), and MD ranked fifth (5th). The study recommended that Electronic/Digital Camera Surveillance (ED) and Physical Patrol (PP) should be considered for effective combating smuggling and border control along the north-east borders of Nigeria.