Tunji-Ojo Refutes Atiku on Nigeria's Border Status

Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Minister of Interior, responded to Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, regarding claims that Nigeria's land borders are closed. Tunji-Ojo stated that the borders are already open and cannot be reopened, as several land borders, including Seme, Illela, Maigatari, and Mfum, were reopened in December 2020.

Additional borders, such as Idiroko and Ikom, were reopened in April 2022, while Kamba and Tsamiya border posts in Kebbi State were reopened in February 2026. He clarified that the prolonged closures of the Cameroon border were due to security issues dating back to 2014, not the 2019 trade policy.

Tunji-Ojo acknowledged that some northern border crossings have tighter restrictions due to ongoing security threats and argued that border management involves more than just opening or closing crossings. He urged Atiku to present a clear alternative plan for managing Nigeria's borders.