Nigeria’s borders not closed, Tunji-Ojo tells Atiku

Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has dismissed claims by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar that Nigeria’s land borders remain closed, saying there is therefore no need for the government to reopen them.

Tunji-Ojo made the clarification in a statement on Saturday while responding to Atiku’s reported plan to reopen the country’s land borders if elected president in 2027.

The minister, who supervises the Nigeria Immigration Service, said several land borders previously affected by closures had already been reopened by successive administrations.

According to him, Seme, Illela, Maigatari and Mfum borders were reopened on December 16, 2020, while Idiroko and Ikom were reopened for goods and services on April 20, 2022.

He added that Kamba and Tsamiya border posts in Kebbi State, linking Nigeria with Niger Republic and Benin Republic respectively, were reopened under the current administration in February 2026.

Tunji-Ojo also challenged Atiku’s reference to the borders with Cameroon, Chad, Niger and Benin Republic, arguing that some of the closures in those areas were linked to security concerns rather than the 2019 trade policy.

He specifically cited the Banki and Amchidé border crossings, saying their closure dates back to 2014 following Boko Haram activities.

According to the minister, the crossings were subsequently reopened in 2019, while Fotokol and Gambaru were reopened in 2021 following security and stabilisation efforts involving Nigeria and neighbouring countries.

Tunji-Ojo said linking the security-related closures to the 2019 trade policy presented two separate issues as though they were part of the same policy.

He, however, acknowledged that some border crossings in the northern part of the country are still subject to tighter controls because of banditry and residual insurgent activities.

He said such restrictions were based on security considerations and were intended to protect traders and border communities.

The minister maintained that border management involved more than simply opening or closing crossings, saying security, documentation, customs compliance and controlled trade facilitation must be considered.

He urged Atiku to present his proposed border management policy ahead of the 2027 election rather than relying on what he described as an inaccurate account of the country’s border history.

Tunji-Ojo said any new proposal should clearly explain how it would differ from the current approach to border security and trade facilitation.