By Suleiman Adamu, Sokoto
The Sokoto state African Democratic Congress (ADC)governorship candidate,
Hon. Manir Muhammad Dan’iya, has aligned with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the party’s Presidential candidate’s agenda to reopen Nigeria’s land borders or elected.
Similarly, Atiku pledged to decisively pursue a strategy inorder to end insecurity. All within a year.
Mannir Dan Iya support is coming on the heels of the party’s presidential candidate’s strategic campaign messages to draw favours and votes from eligible Nigerians.
The ADC governorship candidate who is in full support of the resourceful pledged according to a release issued in Sokoto by his Media Aide, Aminu Abubakar Sokoto on Wednesday , 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.
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.
He explained that available trade data showed 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.
According to the Sokoto state former deputy
governor, the economic consequences of restrictions on legitimate cross-border trade should not be ignored.
This, he added” Particularly at a time like this , when Nigerian households are facing high transportation and food costs.
” In fact, recent analysis of the Nigeria-Niger border situation indicated that restrictions have 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 referred with concerns.
However, Dan Iya further welcomed Atiku’s commitment to tackling insecurity, saying that” economic revival cannot be separated from security” while noting that recent security data demonstrate the seriousness of the challenge.”
In the same vein , he allegedly referred to intelligence report on kidnappings and ransom payments between July 2025 and June 2026 as worsening and strategically alarming across the North-West, including Sokoto state.
” These require resourceful and committed intelligence-led strategy, stronger border management, improved policing and military capacity, community engagement and action against the economic networks financing criminal individuals and groups”, he pointed out .
Accordingly, Dan Iya, a one time LG Chairman also explained that reopening borders did not mean abandoning security controls or creating avenues for smuggling and trafficking.
” ADC administration would pursue secure and properly managed borders, with modern customs and immigration systems, intelligence sharing with neighbouring countries and effective surveillance.”
He stressed the step would further restore confidence in the country’s approach to strengthening legitimate commerce against criminal activity for law-abiding citizens to trade freely while security agencies concentrate on terrorists, bandits, traffickers and smugglers.
“ What Nigerians need is a government that knows how to facilitate legitimate movement and trade amidst strong security system against criminals,” he stated.
However, Dan Iya urged Nigerians of voting age to support and vote Atiku Abubakar’s comprehensive economic and security proposals for new lease of good tidings ahead of the 2027 elections.
” Sokoto and Nigerians should support the ADC as a platform for economic recovery, improved security and responsible governance”, he stressed.
