Nigerian borders already open, Presidency replies Atiku

The Presidency has rejected presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar's claim that Nigeria's land borders would be opened upon his election. Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, stated that the country's land borders were already open. Atiku, in his campaign, aimed to convince voters that opening the borders would be a significant step to boost economic growth and diplomatic relations.

However, Dare argued that the distinction between an open border and an uncontrolled border is crucial. A genuinely open border would facilitate legitimate trade and movement while preventing criminal activities, while an uncontrolled border would leave the country vulnerable to terrorism and smuggling. Dare emphasized that Nigeria has taken steps to open some of its borders, including the opening of the Kamba border in Kebbi State.

He stressed that President Bola Tinubu's actions do not reflect closed borders but responsible border security. Dare challenged Atiku to present a concrete policy proposal on how he would manage the borders, rather than just making a campaign slogan. The Presidency stressed that an open border and an uncontrolled one are not the same thing and that modern border management is necessary to prevent criminals and terrorist organizations from exploiting border regions.