Atiku Vows Border Reopening, Southern Ports Development to Revitalize Regional Trade

In a decisive policy pitch aimed at reshaping Nigeria's macroeconomic landscape, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has pledged to immediately reopen the nation's closed land borders if elected to the presidency. The presidential candidate made this strategic commitment while addressing supporters in a viral video circulating online, which was prominently shared by prominent political chieftain Dele Momodu on Friday. The announcement signals a direct challenge to current protectionist trade policies, proposing instead a regime of economic liberalization and regional integration.

According to reports, Atiku emphasized that the prolonged closure of Nigeria’s borders with neighboring West African countries has done more harm than good to the domestic economy. Rather than protecting local industries as initially intended, the policy has allegedly stifled cross-border trade, crippled small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) in border communities, and contributed significantly to the soaring food inflation currently plaguing the nation. By reversing this policy, his administration hopes to restore historical trade corridors and stimulate economic growth.

In tandem with the border reopening, Atiku's blueprint places a heavy premium on the development and optimization of southern ports. For decades, maritime trade in Nigeria has been bottlenecked by an over-reliance on the Lagos ports—Apapa and Tin Can Island. This systemic centralization has resulted in legendary traffic gridlocks, exorbitant demurrage fees, and massive corruption. Atiku argues that developing alternative ports in the South-South and South-East zones will not only decentralize shipping but also catalyze industrialization in those regions.