The Federal Government clarifies that land borders are not closed and does not require reopening.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made this clarification in a statement in response to comments by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar that he would reopen the country’s land borders if elected president in 2027.
Tunji-Ojo, who supervises the Nigeria Immigration Service, said several major border crossings had already been reopened under previous and current administrations.
He noted that the Seme, Illela, Maigatari and Mfum borders were reopened in December 2020, while the Idiroko and Ikom borders were reopened to goods and services in April 2022.
The minister stated that the Kamba and Tsamiya border crossings in Kebbi State were reopened in February 2026, restoring links between Nigeria and Niger Republic as well as Benin Republic.
On Nigeria’s borders with Cameroon, Chad, Niger and Benin, Tunji-Ojo explained that some restrictions were security-driven and did not stem from the 2019 trade policy.
He said the closure of the Banki and Amchidé crossings on the Nigeria-Cameroon border dated back to 2014 following the escalation of Boko Haram insurgency.
According to him, the subsequent reopening of the crossings followed joint military and stabilisation efforts by Nigeria and neighbouring countries.
The Minister statement reads in part:
The minister cautioned against presenting trade regulation and counter-insurgency measures as one continuous border shutdown.
He, however, acknowledged that some northern border crossings remain subject to tighter controls because of banditry and residual insurgent activities.
Tunji-Ojo said the restrictions were deliberate security measures aimed at protecting traders and border communities.
He stressed that modern border management requires a balance between national security, proper documentation, customs compliance and controlled trade facilitation, rather than a choice between total closure and unrestricted movement.
The minister therefore urged political actors proposing alternative border policies to clearly outline their plans and explain how they differ from the current government’s approach.
