FG reopens strategic Kebbi border corridor to curb smuggling, aid commerce

By Zainab Uzomah | Abuja

The Federal Government has reopened the Tsamiya Border Corridor in Kebbi State as part of efforts to enhance legitimate trade and reinforce Nigeria’s northwest border security framework. The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) announced the development during a high-level stakeholders’ meeting held on Saturday at the Kebbi Government House, bringing together security agencies, traditional rulers, economic operators and international customs representatives.

According to the statement released to the press by the Nigeria Customs Service, the reopening is aimed at balancing national security concerns with the need to facilitate lawful commerce along key land routes and the River Niger corridor. The meeting also examined practical strategies to curb cross-border crime while enabling compliant traders to benefit from improved transit processes.

Comptroller-General of Customs Adewale Adeniyi, who led the engagement, said growing cross-border criminality makes stronger inter-agency cooperation essential. He stressed that organised smuggling networks operate through shared intelligence and coordinated resources, requiring Nigerian security institutions to respond in a similarly unified manner.

Adeniyi added that the NCS is working closely with customs authorities in Niger and Benin Republics—supported by the political backing of Presidents Bola Tinubu and Patrice Talon—to resolve persistent transit trade challenges through direct Customs-to-Customs cooperation. He noted that diversion of goods in transit is a regional problem requiring consistent enforcement and clear guidelines.

The Customs Chief said the Tsamiya route will operate under enhanced monitoring systems, including ICT-driven interconnectivity, stricter profiling of licensed agents and close surveillance of goods in transit. He warned that trucks veering off approved routes will be seized and offenders prosecuted, citing recent enforcement actions.

Adeniyi also praised the Kebbi State Government for its support to security agencies and acknowledged the contributions of retired customs officers from the state.

Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris, in his remarks, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to providing logistics, infrastructure and community engagement to ensure secure and well-governed border communities.

The meeting drew participation from the Minister of Budget and National Planning Atiku Bagudu, former Governor Usman Dakingari, customs officials from Benin Republic, representatives of the Office of the National Security Adviser, security chiefs, traditional leaders and key economic operators.

Stakeholders expressed confidence that renewed cooperation will strengthen Nigeria’s border governance, stimulate legitimate trade and position Kebbi as a vital hub for lawful economic activity.