TUNJI-OJO REJECTS ATIKU’S PLAN TO REOPEN NIGERIA’S LAND BORDERS

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s proposal to reopen Nigeria’s land borders, saying the borders are not currently closed.

Tunji-Ojo said the Federal Government has maintained an open-border policy while strengthening surveillance and security measures to prevent illegal activities and protect the country’s economic interests.

The minister made the clarification while responding to Atiku’s recent call for the reopening of land borders, which the former vice president said would help ease the movement of goods and support economic activities.

Tunji-Ojo argued that describing the borders as closed was inaccurate, stressing that legitimate movement and trade continue through Nigeria’s land borders.

He said the government’s priority was to ensure that border management supports national security while facilitating lawful trade and movement.

According to the minister, Nigeria cannot afford to operate its borders without adequate controls, particularly given concerns over smuggling, insecurity and other cross-border crimes.

Tunji-Ojo also maintained that the government was committed to improving border infrastructure and deploying technology to make the country’s borders more secure and efficient.

The disagreement comes as political leaders continue to debate policies capable of reducing economic pressure on Nigerians and improving trade across the country’s borders.