Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has promised to reopen Nigeria’s borders with neighbouring countries if elected president in 2027.

Atiku made the promise while speaking to ADC supporters at his residence in Asokoro, Abuja.

He criticised the closure of borders connecting northern Nigerian communities with Cameroon, Chad, Niger Republic and Benin Republic.

According to him, the restrictions have badly affected legitimate cross-border businesses, forcing many young entrepreneurs who once employed workers to struggle or shut down.

Atiku said reopening the borders to legal trade would help businesses recover and create more jobs.

He also argued that increased economic activity could contribute to addressing insecurity in affected communities.

The ADC candidate said his administration would prioritise legitimate cross-border trade instead of allowing restrictions to cripple businesses operating around Nigeria’s international borders.

Atiku also unveiled plans to develop ports in southern and southeastern Nigeria as alternatives to the Lagos ports.

He said he had previously held discussions with shippers and companies involved in port development over expanding facilities in Calabar, Uyo and Port Harcourt.

According to him, additional functional ports would reduce pressure on Lagos and shorten the time required to move imported goods to other parts of the country.

Using Yola as an example, Atiku said goods arriving through a southern port could reach the North-East faster than those currently transported from Lagos.

He maintained that improved port and transport infrastructure would make it easier and cheaper for manufacturers and businesses to move goods and industrial materials.

The proposals add cross-border trade, ports and transportation infrastructure to the growing economic debate ahead of the 2027 presidential election.