Tunji-Ojo Refutes Atiku's Border Closure Claims

Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Minister of Interior, dismissed claims made by Atiku Abubakar, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, that Nigeria's land borders were closed. Tunji-Ojo clarified that the borders are not closed and cannot be "reopened." He noted that several major land borders, including Seme, Illela, Maigatari, and Mfum, were reopened on December 16, 2020, and that Idiroko and Ikom borders were reopened for goods and services on April 20, 2022.

Additionally, the Kamba and Tsamiya borders in Kebbi State were reopened in February 2026. Tunji-Ojo explained that the prolonged closure of the Cameroon border crossings at Banki and Amchidé was due to security concerns related to Boko Haram activities, not the 2019 trade policy.

He urged political actors to differentiate between trade regulations, security issues, and infrastructure challenges, stating that political competition should not distort historical facts regarding border management.