Nigeria’s borders not closed, can’t be reopened – Tunji-Ojo replies Atiku

Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has rejected claims by Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), stating that Nigeria's land borders are already open and thus cannot be reopened. Tunji-Ojo, who oversees the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), stated this in a statement on Saturday in Abuja, reacting to Atiku's promise to reopen Nigeria's land borders if elected president in 2027.

The minister clarified that several land borders have indeed been reopened over the past few years, including Seme, Illela, Maigatari, Mfum in December 2020, Idroko and Ikom in April 2022, and Kamba and Tsamiya border posts in Kebbi State, linking Nigeria with Niger Republic and Benin Republic, in February 2026. He also debunked Atiku's reference to border closures with Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and Benin Republic, stating that the history of these closures was misunderstood.

According to Tunji-Ojo, the prolonged closures on the Cameroon border, at Banki and Amchidé, did not originate from the 2019 trade policy but dated back to 2014 due to Boko Haram's forced closure. He added that these crossings were later reopened following joint security operations involving Nigeria, Cameroon, Niger, and Chad. The minister acknowledged that some northern border crossings still have tighter restrictions due to ongoing security threats, but argued that border management involves more than just opening or closing crossings.

It includes security, proper documentation, customs compliance, and regulated trade. Tunji-Ojo urged Atiku to present a clear alternative plan for managing Nigeria's borders instead of treating trade and security issues as one matter.