The Presidency clarified that official land border corridors (including Kamba and Tsamiya) are open for legitimate trade, dismissing former VP Atiku Abubakar’s pledge to “reopen” borders while reaffirming that illegal smuggling routes will remain shut to protect local industries. The clarification follows Atiku’s recent promise to reopen Nigeria’s land borders if elected in 2027.
The border closure policy has been a subject of debate since its introduction in 2019. The government has maintained that the closure was necessary to protect local industries and curb smuggling. Atiku’s pledge to reopen the borders has been a key part of his campaign. The Presidency’s clarification is a direct rebuttal to Atiku’s position. The winners: the Presidency, which has asserted its position; and local industries, which are protected from smuggling. The losers: Atiku, whose pledge has been dismissed; and Nigerian consumers, who may face higher prices for imported goods.
Bottom Line: The Presidency says the borders are open for legitimate trade. Atiku’s pledge to reopen them has been dismissed. The question is whether the borders will remain closed to smuggling or full trade will resume.