The Federal Government has approved the reopening of the Tsamiya land border in Kebbi State for trans-border trade, subject to strict security and compliance measures.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, announced the approval on Saturday during an interactive session with exporters, transporters and commodity traders in Kebbi State.
Adeniyi said the decision followed consultations involving security, diplomatic and customs authorities in Nigeria and neighbouring countries.
He disclosed that officials of the Niger Republic Customs Service and its Chamber of Commerce recently met with Nigerian authorities to address trade bottlenecks.
According to him, the reopening was authorised by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as part of efforts to ease trade restrictions while safeguarding national security.
“The Tsamiya border has now been approved for reopening for trade and related services,” Adeniyi said, adding that operations would be guided by defined security protocols to prevent criminal activities.
He said the Nigeria Customs Service would deploy ICT-based interconnectivity with customs administrations in Niger and Benin Republics to improve monitoring, declarations and transparency.
The customs chief warned against diversion of goods, stating that any truck found outside approved transit corridors would be seized and offenders prosecuted.
Adeniyi also noted that development of border communities was critical to security, as economic inclusion would enhance cooperation and stability.
Reacting, Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, welcomed the reopening of the Tsamiya border and pledged the state government’s cooperation with customs and other security agencies to ensure smooth operations.
A representative of the Benin Republic Customs Service described the reopening as a positive step and reaffirmed commitment to bilateral cooperation to ensure safe and regulated trade.
Stakeholders, including exporters and traders, also welcomed the development, describing it as a boost for regional trade and non-oil exports.
President of the National Onion Producers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria (NOPPMAN), Isa Aliyu, said the Tsamiya corridor was critical to onion farmers and traders because of the perishable nature of the commodity.
He warned that prolonged border closures often divert trade to illegal routes, reducing government revenue and regulatory oversight.
Officials from the Office of the National Security Adviser assured of continued collaboration with customs authorities and registered agents to ensure compliance and security along the corridor.
