Presidency Dismisses Atiku’s Border Promise, Says Nigeria’s Borders Already Open

The Presidency has rejected claims that Nigeria’s borders would be opened under a future administration, maintaining that the country’s land borders are already operational and accessible for legitimate trade and movement.

In a statement issued on Friday, presidential spokesman Sunday Dare said the Federal Government had reopened most land borders and continued to support cross-border commerce while maintaining necessary security measures.

He argued that border management should not be confused with unrestricted access, stressing that modern border control requires a balance between facilitating economic activities and preventing security threats such as terrorism, smuggling, human trafficking, and other transnational crimes.

According to Dare, security operations along border corridors are aimed at protecting national interests and do not indicate that the borders are closed. He noted that border surveillance, intelligence-sharing, customs administration, and regional cooperation remain critical to addressing emerging security challenges.

The Presidency also called on political leaders to present detailed policy proposals on border management and national security, rather than broad campaign promises. It maintained that Nigeria’s borders should remain open to lawful activities while being effectively secured against criminal and terrorist networks.