The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening border security and facilitating legitimate transit trade following the Federal Government’s approval to reopen the Tsamiya Border Corridor in Kebbi State.
The development was announced during a high-level stakeholders’ engagement held at the Government House in Kebbi over the weekend.
The meeting brought together security agencies, traditional leaders, economic operators, and international customs representatives to examine practical strategies for enhancing border governance across Nigeria’s northwest while ensuring seamless trade under strict compliance protocols.
The reopening of the corridor forms part of the Service’s broader effort to balance national security priorities with trade facilitation, particularly along strategic land routes and the River Niger corridor linking Nigeria to neighbouring countries.
Speaking at the engagement, Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, stressed the need for coordinated inter-agency and cross-border collaboration to tackle evolving security threats and transit trade challenges.
“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.
Adeniyi disclosed that the Service is engaging customs authorities in the Niger Republic and the Republic of Benin to resolve longstanding transit trade issues through Customs-to-Customs cooperation, backed by the political support of Presidents Bola Tinubu and Patrice Talon.
He noted that diversion of goods in transit is a global challenge requiring clear guidelines, coordinated enforcement, and strict compliance to ensure shipments reach their intended destinations.
The Customs boss explained that operations along the Tsamiya Corridor will be supported by enhanced monitoring mechanisms, including ICT-driven interconnectivity systems, strengthened profiling of licensed customs agents, and close surveillance of cargo movement.
He warned that any truck found outside approved routes would be seized, with offenders prosecuted in line with transit regulations.
Adeniyi also commended the Kebbi State Government for fostering a secure operational environment and acknowledged the contributions of retired senior customs officers from the state to national security and institutional development.
In his remarks, Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris reiterated the state government’s commitment to supporting Customs and other security agencies through improved logistics, infrastructure, and community engagement in border areas.
“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,” the governor said.
The engagement attracted prominent stakeholders, including former Kebbi State governor and Minister of Budget and National Planning, Atiku Bagudu; former governor Usman Dakingari; customs officials from the Republic of Benin; representatives from the Office of the National Security Adviser; heads of security agencies; traditional rulers; and key economic operators.
Participants expressed confidence that the renewed collaboration would enhance border security, strengthen regional trade, and position Kebbi State as a strategic hub for lawful economic activities.
