Nigerian borders already open, Presidency replies Atiku

The Presidency has refuted presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar's claim to open Nigeria's borders upon taking office, stating that the land borders of the country are already open. Atiku's statement is seen as a deception to gain votes from politically naïve Nigerians, according to Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare.

The Federal Government announced the reopening of most of Nigeria's land borders on March 14, 2024, and they have not reversed this position. Dare noted that President Bola Tinubu personally opened the Kamba border in Kebbi State in February 2026, which resulted in economic and diplomatic gains. He emphasized that if Atiku meant relaxing existing border controls, Nigerians need specific details about which controls he intends to remove, why removal is necessary, and what safeguards his administration would put in place to counter terrorism, arms trafficking, smuggling, human trafficking, and other forms of transnational organized crime.

Dare pointed out that an open border is not an uncontrolled border and emphasized the importance of modern border management that balances legitimate trade and movement with the prevention of criminal activities. He also highlighted the security risks in the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin, citing data from the Global Terrorism Index 2026 that indicates a significant portion of terrorist attacks occur within 50 and 100 kilometers of international borders.

Dare clarified that Nigeria's heavy security deployment along the North-East and North-West corridors does not equate to closed borders but reflects responsible border security. He challenged Atiku to present a substantive policy alternative rather than empty promises, emphasizing that Nigerians deserve a detailed explanation of how Atiku's administration would improve border surveillance, strengthen intelligence-sharing, modernize customs and immigration operations, deploy technology, protect border communities, and deepen regional cooperation against terrorism and organized crime.