FG Reopens Kebbi Border, Rolls Out Tight Security Measures for Cross-Border Trade – CGC Adeniyi
The Federal Government has approved the reopening of the Tsamiya land border in Kebbi State for cross-border trade, with stringent security and compliance measures to guide operations, the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, has announced.
Adeniyi disclosed this on Saturday during an interactive session with exporters, transporters, onion traders and other stakeholders in Kebbi State, where concerns were raised over the economic impact of prolonged border restrictions.
He assured stakeholders that the Federal Government was fully aware of the hardship caused by the closure, noting that high-level diplomatic, security and customs engagements had been ongoing between Nigeria and neighbouring countries to resolve the trade bottleneck.
“We are not unconcerned about what is happening. Behind the scenes, all stakeholders have been working round the clock to resolve these challenges,” he said.
According to the Customs boss, Nigeria recently hosted a delegation from the Niger Republic Customs Service and members of its Chamber of Commerce in Abuja as part of efforts to fast-track solutions.
Announcing the development, Adeniyi said the decision to reopen the Tsamiya corridor followed strong political will from President Bola Tinubu and cooperation from neighbouring governments.
“I am pleased to convey the approval of Mr President to all stakeholders that the Tsamiya border will now be reopened for services,” he stated.
He emphasised that the reopening would be governed by clearly defined security protocols to prevent criminal elements and non-state actors from exploiting the trade route.
“We must facilitate trade without compromising national security,” he warned.
To enhance transparency and monitoring, Adeniyi disclosed that the Customs Service would deploy ICT-based system interconnectivity with customs administrations in Benin Republic and Niger Republic to ensure seamless cargo declarations and effective tracking.
He also issued a stern warning against diversion of goods in transit, stressing that any truck found outside the approved corridor would be seized.
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“We have prosecuted operators and suspended officers for such violations. We will not hesitate to take criminal action against anyone who breaks the law,” he said.
The CG further underscored the importance of developing border communities, noting that inclusive growth would strengthen national security.
“Border communities must feel the impact of the prosperity passing through their areas. That sense of belonging enhances cooperation and stability,” he added.
He commended Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, for prioritising border development and security.
In his remarks, Governor Idris welcomed the reopening of the border and pledged the state government’s support for Customs and other security agencies to ensure smooth operations. He also assured that the state would support families of fallen customs officers in line with established procedures.
A representative of the Benin Republic Customs Service lauded Nigeria’s decision and reaffirmed commitment to bilateral cooperation to ensure safe and secure trade across the corridor.
Stakeholders at the session described the reopening as a major boost to non-oil exports and regional trade.
President of the National Onion Producers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria (NOPPMAN), Isa Aliyu, noted that the Tsamiya corridor is vital to onion farmers and traders due to the perishability of the commodity.
“Onion is highly perishable. Every hour of delay translates to losses. Closure pushes trade to illegal routes, weakens regulation and reduces government revenue,” he said.
Aliyu added that reopening the border would support economic diversification, boost internally generated revenue for onion-producing states, create jobs and improve trade data collection.
Another stakeholder, Abubakar Bello, urged the Federal Government to consider reopening other land borders to further enhance revenue generation and ease regional trade.
Also speaking, Ahmad Bello, representing the Office of the National Security Adviser, assured that the office would collaborate with registered clearing agents and relevant stakeholders to ensure smooth and secure operations going forward.
With the approval now in place, stakeholders expressed optimism that regulated trade activities at the Tsamiya border would restore confidence, protect farmers, improve revenue collection and strengthen Nigeria’s position in regional commerce.
By PRNigeria
