By By Elizabeth Ugbo
Nigeria’s Interior Minister has clarified that Nigeria’s land borders are open, following former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s comments about reopening them if elected president in 2027. The minister said the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) currently manages border and migration matters, while security concerns determine restrictions at some crossings.
Nigeria’s Land Borders Already Reopened
The minister explained that Nigeria reopened several major land borders under previous and current administrations.
On December 16, 2020, the government reopened Seme, Illela, Maigatari and Mfum. Officials also planned to reopen other crossings afterward.
Furthermore, the government reopened Idiroko and Ikom for goods and services on April 20, 2022.
The current administration later reopened Kamba and Tsamiya in Kebbi State in February 2026. These crossings connect Nigeria with Niger Republic and Benin Republic.
Therefore, the minister said Nigeria’s borders cannot be described as closed.
Security Concerns Shaped Cameroon Border Closures
Atiku specifically mentioned Nigeria’s borders with Cameroon, Chad, Niger and Benin Republic.
However, the minister said the history of the Cameroon border differs from the 2019 trade policy.
According to him, security concerns forced the closure of the Banki and Amchidé crossings in 2014.
The closures followed Boko Haram attacks and growing insecurity across the region.
Nigeria and its neighbor’s later worked together to improve security around the affected crossings.
Consequently, the authorities reopened the crossings in stages after joint military and stabilization efforts.
The Fotokol and Gambaru crossings also reopened in 2021.
Trade Policy And Security Are Different Issues
The minister argued that border closures require proper historical context.
He said the Cameroon border situation did not result from the 2019 trade policy.
Instead, security threats caused the initial closures years earlier.
Therefore, he warned against presenting trade regulation and counter-insurgency as one issue.
He said doing so could create a misleading picture of Nigeria’s border management policies.
Some Border Crossings Still Face Restrictions
However, the government acknowledged that some northern crossings remain under tighter controls.
Security challenges, including banditry and residual insurgent activity, continue to affect some areas.
As a result, authorities may restrict movement where necessary.
The minister said such measures reflect deliberate security decisions.
He added that premature reopening could expose traders and border communities to greater risks.
Nigeria Needs Controlled Border Management
The minister stressed that modern border management goes beyond opening or closing borders.
Instead, effective border management requires several measures to work together.
These include security checks, proper documentation and customs compliance.
They also include controlled trade facilitation and safe movement across international boundaries.
Therefore, the government said border management must balance economic activity with national security.
Minister Challenges Atiku’s Border Proposal
The minister also urged political leaders to provide clear details about proposed border reforms.
He said political competition should not lead to conflicting accounts of recent events.
According to him, any new border policy should explain how it would differ from the existing system.
He also urged political actors to distinguish between trade, security and infrastructure challenges.
Ultimately, the government maintains that Nigeria’s land borders are not closed.
Instead, authorities continue to adjust controls based on security conditions and border management needs.
