Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has pledged to reopen Nigeria’s land borders if elected president in 2027, saying the move would revive legitimate trans-border trade and create more economic opportunities.
Atiku said border restrictions had negatively affected traders and young entrepreneurs who depended on cross-border commerce for their livelihoods. He argued that reopening the borders would boost economic activities while strengthening opportunities for youths.
He also promised to develop and modernise seaports in the South-South and South-East, including ports around Calabar and Port Harcourt. According to him, this would reduce pressure on Lagos ports and bring imported goods closer to consumers and businesses across the country.
Atiku said improved port infrastructure and road networks would reduce transportation costs and delivery times. He cited the long journey from Lagos to northern cities such as Yola, arguing that properly developed southern ports could make the movement of goods to the North significantly faster and more efficient.