Interior Minister says Nigeria's borders already open, dismisses Atiku's reopening pledge for 2027 poll

Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has dismissed former VP Atiku Abubakar's pledge to reopen Nigeria's land borders if elected in 2027, stating the borders are already open and cannot be 'reopened'. He cited specific reopenings: Seme, Illela, Maigatari and Mfum borders on December 16, 2020; Idiroko and Ikom for goods/services on April 20, 2022; and Kamba and Tsamiya posts in Kebbi State linking to Niger and Benin in February 2026.

This matters because border status directly affects cross-border trade, food prices, and trader livelihoods—impacting everything from market costs to economic opportunities for Nigerians. Tunji-Ojo explained that Cameroon border closures (Banki/Amchidé) were due to Boko Haram since 2014, not trade policy, and that current tighter controls in some areas are security measures against banditry, not government neglect.

He urged political actors to stop rewriting history for advantage, challenging Atiku to present a new border management policy. With food prices high and trade vital, will you accept the minister's claim that borders are functional, or do you believe Atiku's critique of restrictions hurting traders holds more weight for Nigeria's economy?

SOURCE: https://www.channelstv.com/2026/08/30/nigerias-borders-not-closed-tunji-ojo-replies-atiku/