Tinubu’s economic policies deepened poverty, Atiku has a better plan, says Imansuaghon

Kenneth Imansuaghon says Nigeria’s economic recovery could begin with reopening its land borders, a policy he believes would restore trade and ease pressure on households. The African Democratic Congress stalwart and former Edo State governorship aspirant endorsed former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar’s presidential bid as a credible alternative to the current direction.

Speaking from the United States, Imansuaghon accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of imposing severe hardship on Nigerians. He said the reforms had increased the cost of living, weakened the productive sector and caused many people to lose their livelihoods as businesses struggle.

He argued that reopening the borders with Benin Republic, Niger, Chad and Cameroon would revive legitimate cross-border commerce and improve the movement of goods across West Africa. “The reopening of the borders will restore legitimate trans-border trade, encourage investors, stimulate local businesses and ultimately reduce the prices of food and other essential commodities through healthy competition,” he said.

Imansuaghon also pointed to insecurity in parts of northern Nigeria, saying it had limited agricultural activity and made regional trade an important complement to domestic food production. Better trade relations with neighbouring countries, he said, would strengthen supply chains and help stabilise commodity prices.

He cited the reported departure of ride-hailing company Uber from Nigeria after more than a decade as evidence of a difficult business environment. He alleged that poor economic policies had discouraged investment and contributed to rising unemployment, particularly among young graduates. His comments followed Atiku’s pledge that, if elected on the ADC platform in 2027, he would reopen the land borders and facilitate the importation and movement of goods.

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The reopening of the borders will restore legitimate trans-border trade, encourage investors, stimulate local businesses and ultimately reduce the prices of food and other essential commodities through healthy competition.