Nigeria Reopens Tsamiya Corridor To Boost Legitimate Trade, Strengthen Border Governance
By Naija Enquirer Staff
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reaffirmed its commitment to secure border governance and trade facilitation following the Federal Government’s approval to reopen the Tsamiya Border Corridor.
This was disclosed during a high-level stakeholders’ engagement held at the Government House in Kebbi State, bringing together security agencies, traditional rulers, economic operators and international customs representatives.
The meeting served as a strategic platform to examine measures for strengthening Nigeria’s northwest border architecture while ensuring legitimate trade continues smoothly under strict compliance protocols.
Customs Stresses Collaboration To Tackle Security Threats
Speaking during the engagement, the Comptroller-General of Customs, CGC Adewale Adeniyi, stressed the importance of structured inter-agency and cross-border cooperation in addressing evolving security and transit trade challenges.
Adeniyi noted that criminal networks often operate through coordinated structures, shared resources and organised collaboration, making it necessary for Nigeria’s security agencies to work together to counter such threats.
He revealed that the NCS is currently engaging customs authorities in the Republic of Niger and the Republic of Benin, supported by the political will of President Bola Tinubu and President Patrice Talon, to resolve longstanding transit trade issues through customs-to-customs cooperation.
“Diversion of goods in transit is not peculiar to Nigeria; it is a cross-border challenge that requires coordinated enforcement, clear guidelines, and strict compliance to ensure that goods reach their intended destinations,” Adeniyi said.
Tsamiya Corridor To Operate Under Enhanced Monitoring
The Customs boss explained that the Tsamiya Corridor will operate under tighter monitoring measures driven by ICT inter-connectivity systems, improved profiling of licensed customs agents, and enhanced surveillance of goods in transit.
He warned that any truck found outside the approved route would be seized, while offenders would be prosecuted in line with transit regulations, citing recent prosecutions as proof of the Service’s strict enforcement approach.
Adeniyi also commended the Kebbi State Government for fostering a coordinated security environment and acknowledged the contributions of retired senior customs officers from the state to national security and Customs development.
Kebbi Government Pledges Support For Border Security
In his remarks, the Executive Governor of Kebbi State, Nasir Idris, assured that the state government would continue supporting Customs and other security agencies through logistics, infrastructure and community engagement in border communities.
“The Kebbi State Government remains committed to prioritizing security and creating an enabling environment for security agencies to operate effectively, while ensuring that border communities benefit from sustained development,” the governor stated.
Stakeholders Express Confidence In Renewed Border Strategy
The stakeholders’ engagement attracted several key personalities including the Immediate Past Governor of Kebbi State and Minister of Budget and National Planning, Atiku Bagudu, former Governor Usman Dakingari, officials of the Republic of Benin Customs Service, representatives of the Office of the National Security Adviser, heads of security agencies, traditional rulers and economic operators.
Participants expressed optimism that the reopening of the corridor and the strengthened collaboration would improve border security, enhance regional trade, and position Kebbi State as a strategic hub for lawful economic activity.
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