Nigeria’s Land Borders Open, Subject to Security and Regulatory Checks — FG

The Federal Government has clarified that Nigeria’s land borders remain open for legitimate movement and trade, contrary to claims suggesting that the country has yet to reopen its border crossings.

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, said major land borders across the country had been reopened, although travellers and traders are required to comply with security screening, documentation and other regulatory procedures.

According to the minister, the Seme, Illela, Maigatari and Mfum borders were reopened in 2020, while the Idiroko and Ikom border crossings resumed operations in 2022.

He added that the Kamba and Tsamiya borders in Kebbi State were also reopened in February 2026.

Tunji-Ojo explained that restrictions affecting certain crossings along the Cameroon border were imposed mainly because of security concerns arising from Boko Haram activities in the region.

He stressed that such security measures should not be mistaken for the Federal Government’s 2019 border closure policy, which was largely driven by trade and economic considerations.

The minister noted that border crossings located in areas affected by banditry and lingering insurgency threats remain under tighter security controls to protect border communities, travellers and traders.

According to him, effective border management is not simply about keeping borders completely closed or allowing unrestricted access.

He said the Federal Government’s current strategy is designed to strike a balance between safeguarding national security, ensuring proper documentation and customs compliance, and facilitating legitimate cross-border trade and movement.