Presidency says Nigeria’s borders already open, rejects Atiku’s 2027 pledge

The Presidency, through Special Adviser Sunday Dare, said Atiku Abubakar’s pledge to reopen Nigeria’s land borders if elected in 2027 is based on a misunderstanding, noting that most borders were reopened on 14 March 2024 and the directive has not been reversed. Dare added that the Kamba border in Kebbi State was opened on 14 February 2026, delivering economic and diplomatic gains. He challenged Atiku to specify which borders he intends to open, which existing controls he would relax, and what safeguards his administration would put in place against terrorism, arms trafficking, smuggling, human trafficking and other transnational organised crime. The Presidency warned that open borders must be managed through modern systems to facilitate legitimate trade while preventing criminal exploitation, citing Global Terrorism Index 2026 data showing 41% of attacks occur within 50 km of borders and 64% within 100 km. It urged Nigerians to expect detailed policy alternatives from presidential aspirants, not slogans, and stressed that scrutiny must be fact‑based. With the Presidency insisting borders are already open, will you fact‑check politicians’ border promises before deciding who to support in the 2027 election?

SOURCE: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/906090-presidency-faults-atikus-proposal-to-reopen-borders.html