2027: I’ll Reopen Nigeria’s Land Borders’ – Atiku

Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has promised to reopen Nigeria’s land borders if elected president in the 2027 general election.

According to Ireporter Online, Atiku made the pledge while addressing supporters in a video shared online by ADC chieftain Dele Momodu.

The former vice president argued that restrictions at the country’s land borders had negatively affected legitimate cross-border businesses, particularly in northern communities where many people depend on trade with neighbouring countries.

Atiku noted that several northern states share borders with Cameroon, Chad, Niger Republic and Benin Republic, making cross-border commerce an important source of livelihood for residents.

He expressed concern that the restrictions had forced some young entrepreneurs out of business, leaving them and their employees without income.

According to him, some traders who previously invested between ₦10 million and ₦20 million in their businesses were unable to survive after the restrictions were imposed.

Atiku linked the loss of businesses and employment opportunities to the country’s security challenges, arguing that economic hardship among young people could create wider social problems.

He therefore promised that his administration would reopen the country’s land borders while putting measures in place to support legitimate trade and economic activities.

Beyond the border policy, Atiku also promised to improve port infrastructure across southern and south-eastern Nigeria to create alternative routes for the movement of imported goods.

He said developing ports in places such as Calabar, Uyo and Port Harcourt would help reduce the pressure on Lagos ports and make transportation of goods to other parts of the country more efficient.

Using Yola, Adamawa State, where he said he has a factory, as an example, Atiku argued that goods could reach the North-East much faster if alternative southern ports were properly developed.

He claimed that transporting a container from Lagos to Yola could take up to two months because of the long distance and poor road infrastructure, whereas using a southern port closer to the South-South region could significantly reduce the travel time.

Atiku’s proposal comes amid ongoing discussions over Nigeria’s border management and the economic impact of restrictions on cross-border trade.

Nigeria’s land borders were largely closed in 2019 under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari as part of efforts to combat smuggling and encourage domestic production.

The Federal Government at the time cited the illegal importation of rice, poultry products, petroleum and other commodities, as well as concerns over the movement of arms and drugs.

Some border posts were subsequently reopened, including the Seme, Illela, Maigatari and Mfun crossings. The current administration has also reopened additional strategic border routes.

Despite these developments, some border crossings remain subject to restrictions and enhanced controls aimed at preventing smuggling and other illegal activities.