Minister Fires Back At Atiku: “You Can’t Reopen Borders That Aren’t Closed

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has challenged former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s promise to reopen Nigeria’s land borders if elected president in 2027, insisting that the country’s borders are not closed.

According to Ireporter Online, Atiku, who is seeking the presidency under the African Democratic Congress, had pledged to reopen land borders as part of measures to revive cross-border trade and support businesses involved in regional commerce.

The former Vice President also promised to restore fuel subsidy, arguing that the measures would help stimulate economic activity and address challenges affecting businesses operating across Nigeria’s borders.

Reacting to the proposal, Tunji-Ojo, whose ministry oversees the Nigeria Immigration Service and other agencies responsible for border management, said the claim that Nigeria’s land borders remain closed does not reflect the current situation.

The minister explained that several major border crossings have been reopened over the years, citing Seme, Illela, Maigatari and Mfum, which were reopened in December 2020. He added that Idiroko and Ikom were reopened for goods and services in April 2022, while Kamba and Tsamiya in Kebbi State were reopened under the present administration in February 2026.

Tunji-Ojo also addressed the status of Nigeria’s borders with Cameroon, Chad, Niger Republic and Benin Republic, explaining that some closures were driven by security concerns rather than trade restrictions.

According to the minister, certain crossings were previously shut because of Boko Haram activities and were subsequently reopened following security and stabilisation efforts involving Nigeria and neighbouring countries.

He argued that treating the various border restrictions as one prolonged closure could give a misleading impression of the reasons behind the measures.

Tunji-Ojo further maintained that some border crossings remain subject to tighter controls in areas affected by banditry or insurgency, describing such restrictions as deliberate security decisions intended to protect traders and border communities.

The minister stressed that effective border management should not be viewed simply as a choice between completely closing borders and allowing unrestricted movement, noting that security, proper documentation, customs compliance and trade facilitation must operate together.

He urged political actors to focus on presenting clear policy alternatives rather than, in his view, rewriting the history of Nigeria’s border management.

Tunji-Ojo challenged Atiku to explain how his proposed border policy would differ from the current approach if he intends to introduce new measures after the 2027 election.