Atiku Makes Fresh Promise To Nigerians Ahead Of 2027 Polls

The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has promised to reopen Nigeria’s land borders if elected president in the 2027 general elections, arguing that restrictions on cross-border activities have negatively affected businesses, employment and economic opportunities.

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

The former Vice President said cross-border trade remained an important economic activity, particularly in northern Nigeria, where several states share boundaries with Cameroon, Chad, Niger Republic and Benin Republic.

Atiku expressed concern that the closure and restrictions placed on land borders had forced many young Nigerians involved in transborder businesses out of work. He claimed that some entrepreneurs who had invested between ₦10 million and ₦20 million in their businesses were pushed into financial difficulties after the restrictions disrupted their operations.

He argued that the loss of businesses and employment opportunities could contribute to insecurity, particularly among young Nigerians who depend on commercial activities for their livelihoods.

Atiku therefore pledged that his administration would reopen the borders and create an environment where legitimate cross-border trade could thrive.

He also promised to improve port infrastructure and transportation networks in the southern part of the country to facilitate the movement of goods to other regions.

The ADC candidate said better utilisation of ports in Calabar, Uyo and Port Harcourt could significantly reduce the time required to transport goods to northern Nigeria.

Using his business experience in Yola, Adamawa State, as an example, Atiku complained that moving a container from Lagos to Yola could take several weeks because of poor road infrastructure and the long distance involved.

He argued that goods transported through southern ports such as Calabar, Uyo or Port Harcourt could reach the North-East within a much shorter period if adequate infrastructure and efficient transportation systems were put in place.

Atiku maintained that upgrading the country’s ports and roads would reduce transportation costs, support businesses and strengthen economic connections between different parts of Nigeria.

Nigeria’s land borders were largely closed in 2019 under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari as part of measures to curb smuggling and encourage domestic production. Although some border posts were subsequently reopened, restrictions and tighter controls have continued along various routes.

Atiku’s latest promise places border reopening, improved trade and infrastructure development among the issues he is putting forward as part of his campaign agenda ahead of the 2027 presidential election.