Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has pledged to reopen Nigeria's land borders if he is elected president in the upcoming elections. Speaking to supporters in a video shared by African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain Dele Momodu, Atiku emphasized that the closure of borders has severely impacted transborder trade and has exacerbated unemployment among the youth.

Atiku highlighted the plight of young traders in northern Nigeria, who have suffered due to the border closures with neighboring countries such as Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and Benin Republic. He noted that many young entrepreneurs, who previously engaged in legitimate cross-border trade, have been forced out of business, leading to increased unemployment and insecurity. "All the upcoming young men and women who used to have a capital of 10 million, 20 million, and they were employing two, three other people, and then all of them went bankrupt and unemployed. How can there be security?" he questioned.

In addition to reopening the borders, Atiku expressed his commitment to improving the infrastructure of southern ports. He mentioned that during his previous campaign, he engaged with shipping and development companies in Europe to discuss ways to enhance port facilities in the South and South-East. Atiku believes that better port infrastructure will not only facilitate the movement of goods but also significantly reduce transportation costs and time, particularly for goods moving to the North-East.

He provided a practical example, stating that transporting a container from Lagos to Yola, Adamawa State, currently takes nearly two months. However, with improved ports in Calabar, Uyo, or Port Harcourt, he could move the same container to Yola in just 24 hours. "But right now, it takes me not less than two months to take my container from Lagos because you have to cross over from South-West, you go to North-East, and then there is even no road," he explained.

Atiku's remarks come in the context of Nigeria's land border closures, which began in August 2019 under former President Muhammadu Buhari. The government cited concerns over smuggling and the need to protect local agricultural production as reasons for the closures. While some borders have since been reopened, many remain under strict control, limiting trade opportunities.

As the ADC presidential candidate continues to campaign, his proposals to reopen borders and enhance port infrastructure resonate with many Nigerians concerned about economic recovery and job creation. Atiku's vision aims to restore the vibrancy of transborder trade and improve the overall economic landscape in the country.