Addressing Atiku’s remarks regarding long-standing border closures and trade disruptions, the Minister—whose portfolio oversees the Nigeria Immigration Service—clarified that the nation’s borders are not actually closed and therefore cannot be reopened.

Detailing the timeline of past and recent reopenings, Tunji-Ojo noted:

• Key crossings like Seme, Illela, Maigatari, and Mfum were reopened on December 16, 2020.

• Idiroko and Ikom resumed commercial operations on April 20, 2022.

• Kebbi State’s Kamba and Tsamiya borders—connecting to Benin and Niger Republics—were reopened under the current administration in February 2026.

Addressing specific references to borders shared with Chad, Cameroon, Niger, and Benin, the Minister explained that long-term closures at crossings like Banki and Amchidé stem from security measures introduced in 2014 to combat Boko Haram, rather than the 2019 trade regulations. He pointed out that Fotokol and Gambaru subsequently reopened in 2021 following joint regional security stabilization efforts. Conflating counter-insurgency security protocols with trade regulations misrepresents the facts.

Tunji-Ojo added that certain northern crossings maintain tighter restrictions as a calculated security safeguard against banditry and residual insurgency, protecting local communities and traders from heightened risks rather than representing neglect. Modern border management requires balancing security, rigorous documentation, customs compliance, and controlled trade rather than choosing between absolute closure and unmonitored movement.

Concluding his statement, the Minister urged political figures to avoid rewriting recent history, challenging Atiku to present a distinct alternative policy rather than conflating independent trade, security, and infrastructure challenges.

According to a Saturday statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communications, Stanley Nkwocha, the decision stems from a desire to keep the public focus directed squarely on national governance rather than a personal milestone.

The Vice President explicitly asked well-wishers to avoid events, gatherings, and media goodwill messages across television, radio, print, and digital spaces. Instead of funding celebrations or public advertisements, Shettima encouraged supporters to channel those resources into prayers for Nigeria and President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

“To ensure absolute propriety, I respectfully appeal that there should be no public birthday celebrations, congratulatory gatherings or goodwill advertorials across print, broadcast and digital media platforms,” Shettima stated.

Emphasizing a mindset of reflection and devotion to national progress over personal pageantry, the statement noted that the milestone should serve as a renewed commitment to public service.