The Federal Government has clarified that Nigeria’s land borders are open, dismissing claims that the country is yet to reopen its borders for movement and trade.
Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, said several major land borders had been reopened but remained subject to security checks, documentation requirements and other regulatory procedures.
According to Tunji-Ojo, the Seme, Illela, Maigatari and Mfum borders were reopened in 2020, while the Idiroko and Ikom crossings followed in 2022. He added that the Kamba and Tsamiya borders in Kebbi State were also reopened in February 2026.
The Minister explained that restrictions affecting some crossings along the Cameroon border were introduced for security reasons because of Boko Haram activities in the region.
He stressed that the measures should not be confused with the 2019 border policy, which was primarily aimed at addressing trade and economic concerns.
Tunji-Ojo noted that crossings located in areas still experiencing banditry or residual insurgent threats remain subject to tighter controls as part of efforts to safeguard border communities and traders.
He said effective border management could not be reduced to either completely shutting borders or allowing unrestricted movement.
According to him, Nigeria’s current approach seeks to balance national security with proper documentation, customs compliance and the facilitation of legitimate trade and movement across the country’s borders.
