The Governorship Candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Sokoto State, Hon. Manir Muhammad Dan’iya, has expressed his full support for the party’s 2027 presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, over his pledge to reopen Nigeria’s land borders and pursue a decisive strategy to end insecurity within one year if elected President. Dan’iya described the proposal as a practical intervention that could restore legitimate cross-border commerce, improve livelihoods and strengthen economic opportunities for communities, particularly in northern states such as Sokoto that share borders with Niger Republic.
In a statement issued by his Media Aide, Aminu Abdullahi, Hon. Dan’iya said border communities in Sokoto have historically depended on legitimate trade and movement with neighbouring Niger Republic, and that reopening the borders under proper customs, immigration and security controls would provide relief to traders, farmers, transporters and other businesses. Available trade data show that Nigeria-Niger merchandise trade was worth about $226.34 million in 2022, with Nigeria exporting approximately $192.91 million in goods to Niger and importing about $33.43 million.
Dan’iya said the economic consequences of restrictions on legitimate cross-border trade should not be ignored, particularly at a time when Nigerian households are facing high transportation and food costs. Recent analysis of the Nigeria-Niger border situation found that restrictions disrupted both formal and informal trade, reduced market access for local producers and contributed to economic pressures in border communities. “For Sokoto, opening the border means opening opportunities for our traders, farmers, transporters and small businesses. We support Atiku’s position 100 percent because government must make legitimate economic activity easier, not harder, for its citizens,” he said.
The ADC candidate also welcomed Atiku’s commitment to tackling insecurity, saying that economic revival cannot be separated from security. He noted that recent security data demonstrate the seriousness of the challenge: a recent SBM Intelligence report recorded 7,825 kidnappings and at least 1,142 deaths between July 2025 and June 2026, while ransom payments reportedly exceeded ₦7.78 billion during the period. Dan’iya said the worsening insecurity across the North-West, including Sokoto, requires an intelligence-led strategy, stronger border management, improved policing and military capacity, community engagement and action against the economic networks financing criminal groups.
Hon. Dan’iya stressed that reopening borders must not mean abandoning security controls or creating avenues for smuggling and trafficking. Rather, he said an ADC administration would pursue secure and properly managed borders, with modern customs and immigration systems, intelligence sharing with neighbouring countries and effective surveillance. He maintained that the objective should be to distinguish legitimate commerce from criminal activity, allowing law-abiding citizens to trade freely while security agencies concentrate on terrorists, bandits, traffickers and smugglers. “We can have open borders and strong security at the same time. What Nigerians need is a government that knows how to facilitate legitimate movement and trade while stopping criminals,” he stated.
The ADC gubernatorial candidate urged Nigerians, particularly voters in border communities, to carefully consider Atiku Abubakar’s economic and security proposals ahead of the 2027 elections. He reaffirmed his 100 percent support for the proposed border policy and said the ADC’s objective is to make livelihoods easier, restore economic confidence and create an environment where citizens can work, trade and prosper without unnecessary restrictions or fear. He called on the people of Sokoto and Nigerians generally to support the ADC as a platform for economic recovery, improved security and responsible governance.
Signed:
Aminu Abdullahi
Media Aide
