The Federal Government has approved the reopening of the Tsamiya land border in Kebbi State for trans-border trade, with strict security and compliance guidelines, the Comptroller-General of Customs, CG Adewale Adeniyi, has announced.
Adeniyi made the disclosure on Saturday while responding to concerns raised by stakeholders, including exporters, transporters and onion traders, during an interactive session in Kebbi State.
He assured economic operators that the Federal Government was not indifferent to the hardship caused by the prolonged border restrictions, noting that the issue had engaged high-level diplomatic, security and customs authorities across Nigeria and neighbouring countries.
“We are not unconcerned about what is happening. Behind the scenes, all stakeholders have been working round the clock to resolve these challenges,” Adeniyi said.
The Customs boss revealed that Nigeria recently received an urgent delegation from the Niger Republic Customs Service and members of its Chamber of Commerce in Abuja to fast-track solutions to the trade bottleneck.
According to him, the decision to reopen the Tsamiya corridor followed strong political will from President Bola Tinubu and cooperation from neighbouring governments.
“I am happy to convey the approval of Mr President to all stakeholders that the Tsamiya border will now be reopened for services,” he announced.
Adeniyi stressed that the reopening would be guided by clearly defined security protocols to prevent criminal exploitation of the corridor.
“There are criminals and non-state actors who may want to take advantage of trade routes. We must facilitate trade without compromising national security,” he warned.
He disclosed that Customs would deploy ICT-based system interconnectivity with customs administrations in Benin and Niger Republics to ensure seamless declarations, monitoring and transparency.
He also issued a stern warning against diversion of goods in transit. “Any truck found outside the approved transit corridor will be seized.
“We have prosecuted operators and suspended officers for such violations. We will not hesitate to take criminal action against anyone who breaks the law,” Adeniyi said.
The CG emphasised the need to develop border communities, saying inclusive growth would enhance security and cooperation.
“Border communities must feel the impact of the prosperity passing through their areas. That sense of belonging strengthens national security,” he noted.
He commended Kebbi State Governor Comrade Nasir Idris for prioritising border communities, describing him as “people-friendly and security-conscious.”
Reacting to the development, the governor of Kebbi State, Nasir Idris, expressed satisfaction over the reopening of the border for trade.
He said the state government is ready to work with the customs and other security agents in the state while assuring that the state government to support the families of slain custom officers in accordance with the laid down procedures of his administration.
Speaking on behalf of the Benin Republic Customs Service, a senior customs officer commended Nigeria for reopening the corridor and reaffirmed commitment to bilateral cooperation.
“We work hand-in-hand with Nigerian Customs to facilitate safe and secure trade. We are pleased with the leadership of the Nigerian Customs Service and we will support this initiative fully,” he said.
Earlier in their remarks, stakeholders welcomed the reopening, describing it as a major boost for non-oil exports and regional trade.
President of the National Onion Producers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria (NOPPMAN), Isa Aliyu, said the Tsamiya corridor was critical to the survival of onion farmers and traders.
“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 noted that reopening the border would support President Tinubu’s economic diversification agenda, boost GDP, increase internally generated revenue for onion-producing states, create jobs and improve trade data collection.
Another stakeholder, Abubakar Bello, appealed to the Federal Government to reopen other land borders to enhance revenue generation and ease regional trade.
With the approval now granted, stakeholders expressed optimism that regulated operations at Tsamiya would restore confidence, protect farmers, improve revenue collection and strengthen Nigeria’s leadership in regional trade.
Mr Ahmad Bello, representing the office of National Security Adviser, who advised the customs agent that the office will collaborate with all the registered agents to ensure there is no problem going forward.
