The Presidency has challenged former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over his promise to “open the borders” if elected, saying Nigeria’s land borders are already open.
Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, made this known in a Friday statement titled, “Atiku and the Borders: Nigerians Deserve Facts, Not Campaign Slogans.”
The Presidency said most land borders were reopened on March 14, 2024, and the decision remains unchanged.
“The facts are straightforward: Nigeria’s land borders are already open,” it said, noting that President Tinubu opened the Kamba border in Kebbi State on February 14, 2026.
It asked Atiku to clarify whether he meant removing existing border controls and explain how his plan would address terrorism, arms trafficking, smuggling, human trafficking and other organised crimes.
“This distinction is fundamental.
“An open border is not an uncontrolled border.”
The Presidency said border management must support legal movement and trade while using immigration checks, customs, intelligence, surveillance, technology and security operations to keep criminals out.
It linked the issue to security threats across the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin, noting Nigeria’s borders with Niger, Chad and Cameroon.
Citing the Global Terrorism Index 2026, it said about 41 per cent of terrorist attacks occur within 50 kilometres of international borders, while 64 per cent happen within 100 kilometres.
The Presidency said security operations in the Northeast and Northwest should not be seen as evidence of closed borders but as responsible border security.
It urged Atiku to offer a detailed alternative policy rather than slogans.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration remains open to scrutiny and should be judged by measurable outcomes in security, economic recovery, border management and citizens’ welfare. But such scrutiny must be based on facts.”
It concluded that Nigeria needs borders open to legitimate movement but secure against terrorists and criminals.
