By Ikugbadi Oluwasegun
Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of Interior, has dismissed claims that Nigeria’s land borders need to be reopened, saying they are already open and subject to security and regulatory controls.
In a statement, the Minister says major land borders including Seme, Illela, Maigatari and Mfum were reopened in 2020, while Idiroko and Ikom followed in 2022. Kamba and Tsamiya in Kebbi State were also reopened in February 2026.
Tunji-Ojo explains that the closure of some crossings along the Cameroon border was security-driven due to Boko Haram insurgency and should not be conflated with the 2019 trade policy.
He adds that crossings in areas facing banditry or residual insurgent activity remain subject to tighter controls as a deliberate security measure to protect border communities and traders.
The Minister stresses that modern border management requires a balance of security, documentation, customs compliance and trade facilitation, rather than a choice between total closure and unrestricted movement.
