Tinubu Government, Atiku Media War Deepens Over Nigeria Border Claims
By Akin Alade
The political battle ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election appears to be gathering momentum as the Federal Government and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar continue to exchange words over major national policies, with the latest disagreement centred on the status of Nigeria’s land borders.
What started largely as criticism of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic policies is gradually developing into a sustained media and policy confrontation, as Atiku intensifies his attacks on the administration while government officials respond with figures, historical records and explanations of existing policies.
The latest controversy followed Atiku’s declaration that he would reopen Nigeria’s land borders and develop southern ports if elected president in 2027, arguing that restrictions on cross-border trade had contributed to the collapse of businesses and unemployment, particularly in northern communities.
However, the Federal Government swiftly rejected the former Vice President’s position, insisting that Nigeria’s borders are already open and therefore cannot simply be described as closed.
FG Counters Atiku: Nigeria’s Borders Are Already Open
Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, whose ministry supervises the Nigeria Immigration Service, challenged Atiku’s assertion on Saturday, August 29, saying it was necessary to clarify the actual status of the country’s borders.
According to Tunji-Ojo, Seme, Illela, Maigatari and Mfum were reopened in December 2020, while Idiroko and Ikom were reopened for goods and services in April 2022.
The minister added that the Tinubu administration reopened Kamba and Tsamiya border posts in Kebbi State in February 2026, connecting Nigeria with Niger Republic and Benin Republic respectively.
His intervention came after the Presidency had similarly challenged Atiku’s comments.
The Presidency said most of Nigeria’s land borders had already been reopened and argued that existing security controls at particular crossings should not be confused with a nationwide border closure.
Atiku Says Border Restrictions Destroyed Businesses
Atiku’s argument goes beyond the physical opening or closing of border posts.
The former Vice President linked restrictions on trans-border trade with unemployment, poverty and insecurity, claiming that young Nigerians who previously survived through legitimate commercial activities with neighbouring countries had lost businesses and employment opportunities.
Atiku specifically referenced Nigeria’s extensive boundaries with Cameroon, Chad, Niger and Benin Republic while promising to restore cross-border commercial activities if elected.
This position appears designed to make trade and employment important components of his emerging 2027 economic message.
But the Federal Government argues that the former Vice President is combining different border situations into one political narrative.
Tunji-Ojo Explains Security Restrictions
Tunji-Ojo maintained that not every restriction at Nigeria’s borders originated from the controversial 2019 trade policy introduced under former President Muhammadu Buhari.
According to the minister, some crossings along the Cameroon axis, including Banki and Amchidé, had been affected by security challenges linked to the Boko Haram insurgency as far back as 2014.
He said those crossings were subsequently reopened following security and stabilisation efforts, while restrictions that remain in some areas are connected to banditry, insurgency and other security concerns.
The government’s position is therefore that modern border management cannot simply mean unrestricted movement. Authorities must simultaneously facilitate legitimate trade while preventing arms trafficking, smuggling, human trafficking, terrorism and other transnational crimes.
Nigeria shares approximately 4,454 kilometres of land boundaries with Benin Republic, Niger, Chad and Cameroon, making border management a major national security and economic challenge.
Atiku-Tinubu Media Battle Intensifies Ahead of 2027
The border controversy is becoming another chapter in the increasingly visible political confrontation between Atiku and the Tinubu administration.
In recent weeks, disagreements have emerged over fuel subsidy, economic reforms, unemployment and other government policies as political actors gradually position themselves for the 2027 elections.
Atiku has continued to present himself as an alternative to the Tinubu administration, while the Presidency has become increasingly aggressive in challenging statements it considers inaccurate or politically motivated.
The pattern is becoming familiar: Atiku attacks a government policy or promises an alternative, and the Presidency or a cabinet minister responds with a counterargument.
That continuing exchange suggests Nigerians should expect an increasingly intense battle of policies, statistics and political narratives as the election approaches.
Beyond Political Rhetoric, Nigerians Need Clear Policies
However, the border debate raises an important question beyond partisan politics.
The real issue is not simply whether a border gate is technically open or closed. Nigerians, particularly traders living around border communities, want to know whether legitimate commerce can take place efficiently, safely and without unnecessary restrictions.
Atiku therefore has the responsibility to clearly explain which borders or restrictions he intends to remove and how his proposed policy would prevent smuggling, arms trafficking and other security threats.
Likewise, the Federal Government must demonstrate that officially reopened borders are genuinely facilitating legitimate trade and improving economic opportunities for communities dependent on cross-border commerce.
This is where the debate should ultimately be decided — on policies and measurable results rather than political slogans.
2027 Battle May Be Fought Long Before Election Day
Although the 2027 presidential election is still ahead, the political campaign appears to have effectively started.
Every major economic decision, infrastructure programme and government policy is increasingly becoming ammunition for either the ruling party or the opposition.
The latest disagreement over Nigeria’s borders demonstrates how aggressively both camps are preparing to control the national political narrative.
For Atiku, attacking existing policies provides an opportunity to convince Nigerians that an alternative government could deliver better economic outcomes.
For the Tinubu administration, responding forcefully to such claims is becoming necessary to defend its record and prevent opposition narratives from gaining ground.
As the exchanges continue, Nigerians may ultimately benefit if the political rivalry develops into a genuine competition of ideas rather than insults and propaganda.
With the Federal Government insisting that Nigeria’s borders are already open and Atiku promising a different approach to cross-border commerce, the border controversy has opened yet another front in the growing political and media battle ahead of 2027.
