Presidency Responds to Atiku on Border Reopening Plans

The presidency of Nigeria has reacted to former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar's plan to reopen the country's land borders if he wins the 2027 presidential election. Atiku, the African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, stated that his administration would focus on boosting cross-border business and supporting regional trade.

In response, Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Public Communication, clarified that most of Nigeria's land borders were reopened on March 14, 2024, and highlighted the reopening of the Kamba border in Kebbi State on February 14, 2026, which yielded economic and diplomatic benefits. Dare challenged Atiku to specify which borders he intended to reopen and whether he planned to relax existing security measures.

He emphasized that modern border management is crucial for facilitating legitimate trade while preventing crime and terrorism, asserting that effective border management is essential for national security amidst evolving threats.