Abuja: The Presidency stated that the Federal Government had reopened most land borders on March 14, 2024, and maintained this decision has not been reversed. This was highlighted in a statement titled ‘Atiku and the borders: Nigerians deserve facts, not campaign slogans’, issued by Mr Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Dare’s comments were a response to Atiku’s recent statement promising to ‘open the borders’ immediately upon assuming office. He clarified that Nigeria’s land borders are already open and questioned which borders the former Vice President intended to ‘open’. Dare urged Atiku to specify any existing border controls he plans to relax and to articulate the safeguards he would implement against terrorism, arms trafficking, smuggling, human trafficking, and other transnational crimes.
Dare emphasized that President Bola Tinubu’s administration had already opened the Kamba border in Kebbi State on February 14, 2026,
resulting in economic and diplomatic benefits. He underscored the importance of distinguishing between open borders and uncontrolled borders, which is crucial for responsible national security and economic policy.
Dare elaborated that modern border management should facilitate legitimate movement, trade, and economic interaction while preventing exploitation by criminals and terrorist organizations. He added that effective border governance requires comprehensive strategies including immigration control, customs administration, intelligence-sharing, and coordinated security operations.
Highlighting Nigeria’s complex northern security environment, Dare noted the necessity of cooperation with neighboring countries such as Niger, Chad, and Cameroon to mitigate transnational security threats. He cited the Global Terrorism Index 2026, which reported that a significant percentage of terrorist attacks occur near international borders, emphasizing the vulnerability of borderlands.
Dare pointed out that Nigeria’s s
ecurity focus along the Northeast and Northwest corridors does not imply closed borders but rather reflects responsible security measures. He described the deployment of security forces in these areas as essential for national security.
Dare called for presidential aspirants to present comprehensive border management plans that enhance surveillance, intelligence-sharing, and regional security cooperation. He stressed that Nigerians deserve more than just slogans, urging aspirants to provide detailed strategies for protecting border communities and facilitating legitimate commerce and movement.
Dare concluded by stating that the Tinubu administration welcomes scrutiny based on measurable outcomes in security, economic recovery, border management, and citizens’ welfare. He asserted that Nigeria’s borders should remain open for legitimate purposes while being secure against threats, and that policy discussions should be rooted in facts and strategic planning.