By Harriet Tornguvan -Abuja
The Federal Government has approved the reopening of the Tsamiya Border Corridor as part of renewed efforts to promote legitimate transit trade while tightening border security and governance across Nigeria’s northwest axis.
The development was announced during a high-level stakeholders’ engagement led by the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, in collaboration with the Kebbi State Government.
The meeting brought together security agencies, traditional rulers, economic operators and international customs representatives to review practical strategies for effective border management and trade facilitation.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) said the reopening of the corridor reflects its commitment to balancing national security imperatives with the need to ensure seamless movement of legitimate goods, particularly along key land routes and the River Niger corridor linking Nigeria with neighbouring countries.
Speaking at the engagement, Adeniyi stressed the need for structured inter-agency and cross-border cooperation to address emerging security and transit trade challenges. He noted that criminal networks thrive on collaboration, making coordinated action among security agencies essential.
“Criminal elements operate through cooperation, shared resources and organised networks. Security agencies must therefore work in synergy to counter these threats effectively, he said.
The CGC disclosed that the NCS is strengthening Customs-to-Customs cooperation with authorities in the Republic of Niger and the Republic of Benin, backed by the political support of President Bola Tinubu and President Patrice Talon.
According to him, the collaboration is aimed at resolving longstanding transit trade issues and curbing the diversion of goods.
He explained that the Tsamiya Corridor will operate under enhanced monitoring mechanisms, including ICT-driven interconnectivity systems, improved profiling of licensed customs agents and close surveillance of goods in transit.
Additionally, Adeniyi warned that any truck found deviating from approved routes would be seized, with offenders prosecuted in line with existing regulations.
Adeniyi also commended the Kebbi State Government for promoting a coordinated security environment and acknowledged the contributions of retired senior customs officers from the state to national development and security.
In his remarks, Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting Customs and other security agencies through the provision of logistics, infrastructure and sustained community engagement in border areas.
“The Kebbi State Government remains committed to prioritising security while creating an enabling environment for security agencies to operate effectively and ensuring that border communities benefit from development, the governor said.
The engagement was attended by the Minister of Budget and National Planning and former Kebbi State Governor, Atiku Bagudu another former governor, Usman Dakingari, senior customs officials from the Republic of Benin, representatives of the Office of the National Security Adviser; heads of security agencies; traditional rulers and key economic operators.
Participants expressed confidence that the reopening of the Tsamiya Corridor and the renewed collaboration among stakeholders would enhance border security, strengthen regional trade and position Kebbi State as a strategic hub for lawful economic activities.
