Tunji-Ojo Dismisses Atiku’s Border Reopening Plan, Says Crossings Remain Operational

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has rejected suggestions that Nigeria’s land borders need to be reopened, maintaining that the country’s border crossings are already operational under existing government policies.

Responding to recent remarks by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on border management, the minister stated that Nigeria has continued to facilitate regulated movement of people and goods through its land borders while balancing trade and security concerns.

Tunji-Ojo noted that several major border posts had been reopened in recent years, including additional crossings in Kebbi State that resumed operations earlier in 2026. He stressed that border management involves more than simply opening or closing crossings, requiring effective security measures, proper documentation, customs compliance, and trade facilitation.

The minister also clarified that restrictions at some border points, particularly in the northern region, are linked to security challenges such as insurgency and banditry rather than trade policies. According to him, maintaining tighter controls in vulnerable areas is necessary to protect residents, traders, and border communities.

He argued that presenting security-related border restrictions as evidence of a nationwide border closure creates a misleading picture of the situation. Tunji-Ojo added that any proposal for a new border policy should clearly explain how it differs from the measures already being implemented.

The minister further cautioned against politicising the issue, saying discussions on border management should be guided by facts, security realities, and the country’s economic interests.