Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar says he will reopen Nigeria’s closed land borders and develop southern seaports if elected president in 2027. He frames the pledge as a way to restore legitimate cross-border trade, create jobs, and improve economic activity that, he says, has been disrupted by border closures.
Across outlets, Atiku’s message is that controlled reopening should support border communities and commerce while still allowing security agencies to reduce smuggling of arms, drugs, and contraband. He also links the plan to his background in customs and border management, saying this experience would guide implementation.
On infrastructure, the reports converge that he will rehabilitate and expand southern port facilities, including projects in Delta and other Niger Delta states, and improve connections that ease congestion at Lagos. The coverage also notes criticism from opponents who warn that opening borders could increase imports that harm local producers and raise security risks. Atiku’s camp responds that regulation and enforcement would mitigate these concerns, and the pledges are presented as part of a broader economic agenda to improve livelihoods and attract private investment.
