Joyce Mmereole Okoli
The Federal Government has approved the reopening of the Tsamiya Border Corridor in Kebbi State, a move aimed at revitalising legitimate cross-border trade while strengthening Nigeria’s border governance framework.
The development was announced during a high-level stakeholders’ engagement held on Saturday, 7 February 2026, at the Government House in Birnin Kebbi.
The meeting brought together security agencies, traditional rulers, economic operators, and international customs representatives to deliberate on practical measures for securing Nigeria’s northwest border and improving transit trade along the strategic River Niger corridor.
Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, said the reopening aligns with the Service’s mandate to strike a balance between national security and trade facilitation.
“The reopening of the Tsamiya Corridor represents the Federal Government’s commitment to promoting legitimate trade while ensuring that our borders remain secure and well-governed.”
Adeniyi stressed the importance of cooperation among security agencies and neighbouring customs administrations to combat organised cross-border criminal networks.
“Criminal elements operate through cooperation, shared resources, and organised networks. This makes it imperative for security agencies to work together in a coordinated manner to effectively counter such threats,” he said.
He further disclosed that the NCS is deepening engagement with customs authorities in Niger Republic and Benin Republic, backed by the political support of President Bola Tinubu and President Patrice Talon, to address lingering transit-trade concerns.
“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,” he added.
Adeniyi noted that the corridor will now operate under strengthened monitoring mechanisms, including ICT-driven interconnectivity, enhanced profiling of licensed customs agents, and tighter surveillance of transit goods.
He warned that “any truck found off the approved route will be seized, and offenders will be prosecuted,” describing recent enforcement actions as evidence of the Service’s determination to sanitise the system.
The CGC also commended the Kebbi State Government for its cooperation.
“Kebbi State has remained a strong partner in ensuring a secure and coordinated border environment, and we appreciate the support extended to the Nigeria Customs Service,” he said.
In his remarks, Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to supporting border security and economic development.
“The Kebbi State Government remains committed to prioritising security and creating an enabling environment for security agencies to operate effectively, while ensuring that border communities benefit from sustained development,” he said.
He pledged continued support through logistics provision, infrastructure development, and community engagement in border areas.
The forum was attended by the Honourable Minister of Budget and National Planning and immediate past Governor of Kebbi State, Atiku Bagudu; former Governor Usman Dakingari; customs officials from Benin Republic; representatives from the Office of the National Security Adviser; heads of security agencies; traditional rulers; and major economic operators.
Participants expressed optimism that the renewed collaboration would strengthen regional trade, bolster border security, and position Kebbi State as a key hub for lawful economic activity in the northwest.