The federal government has given the green light to reopen the Tsamiya land border in Kebbi State for cross-border trade, accompanied by strict security and compliance measures, as announced by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi.
Adeniyi shared this information on Saturday, while addressing concerns from stakeholders, including exporters, transporters, and onion traders, during an interactive meeting in Kebbi State.
He reassured economic operators that the federal government is aware of the difficulties caused by the extended border restrictions, emphasizing that high-level diplomatic, security, and customs officials in Nigeria and neighboring countries have been actively working on the issue.
“We are not indifferent to the situation. Behind the scenes, all parties have been tirelessly working to address these challenges,” Adeniyi stated.
The customs chief revealed that Nigeria recently hosted an urgent delegation from the Niger Republic Customs Service and its chamber of commerce in Abuja, to expedite solutions to the trade obstacles.
He explained that the decision to reopen the Tsamiya corridor was driven by strong political support from President Bola Tinubu and collaboration with neighboring governments.
“I am pleased to announce the president’s approval to all stakeholders that the Tsamiya border will now be reopened for operations,” he declared.
Adeniyi emphasized that the reopening would adhere to well-defined security protocols to prevent criminal exploitation of the corridor.
“There are criminals and non-state actors who may seek to exploit trade routes. We must facilitate trade while ensuring national security,” he cautioned.
He noted that customs would implement an ICT-based system interconnectivity with customs administrations in Benin and Niger Republics to ensure smooth declarations, monitoring, and transparency.
He also issued a strong warning against the diversion of goods in transit.
“Any truck found outside the designated transit corridor will be confiscated.
“We have prosecuted operators and suspended officers for such violations. We will not hesitate to take legal action against anyone who breaks the law,” Adeniyi stated.
The customs chief highlighted the importance of developing border communities, asserting that inclusive growth would enhance security and cooperation.
“Border communities must benefit from the prosperity that flows through their regions. This sense of belonging strengthens national security,” he remarked.
He praised Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris for prioritizing border communities, calling him “people-friendly and security-conscious.”
FG orders reopening of Tsamiya border in Kebbi for regional trade
By Paul Joseph
The federal government has given the green light to reopen the Tsamiya land border in Kebbi State for cross-border trade, accompanied by strict security and compliance measures, as announced by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi.
Adeniyi shared this information on Saturday, while addressing concerns from stakeholders, including exporters, transporters, and onion traders, during an interactive meeting in Kebbi State.
He reassured economic operators that the federal government is aware of the difficulties caused by the extended border restrictions, emphasizing that high-level diplomatic, security, and customs officials in Nigeria and neighboring countries have been actively working on the issue.
“We are not indifferent to the situation. Behind the scenes, all parties have been tirelessly working to address these challenges,” Adeniyi stated.
The customs chief revealed that Nigeria recently hosted an urgent delegation from the Niger Republic Customs Service and its chamber of commerce in Abuja, to expedite solutions to the trade obstacles.
He explained that the decision to reopen the Tsamiya corridor was driven by strong political support from President Bola Tinubu and collaboration with neighboring governments.
“I am pleased to announce the president’s approval to all stakeholders that the Tsamiya border will now be reopened for operations,” he declared.
Adeniyi emphasized that the reopening would adhere to well-defined security protocols to prevent criminal exploitation of the corridor.
“There are criminals and non-state actors who may seek to exploit trade routes. We must facilitate trade while ensuring national security,” he cautioned.
He noted that customs would implement an ICT-based system interconnectivity with customs administrations in Benin and Niger Republics to ensure smooth declarations, monitoring, and transparency.
He also issued a strong warning against the diversion of goods in transit.
“Any truck found outside the designated transit corridor will be confiscated.
“We have prosecuted operators and suspended officers for such violations. We will not hesitate to take legal action against anyone who breaks the law,” Adeniyi stated.
The customs chief highlighted the importance of developing border communities, asserting that inclusive growth would enhance security and cooperation.
“Border communities must benefit from the prosperity that flows through their regions. This sense of belonging strengthens national security,” he remarked.
He praised Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris for prioritizing border communities, calling him “people-friendly and security-conscious.”
In response to the announcement, Gov. Idris expressed his approval of the border’s reopening for trade.
He stated that the state government is prepared to collaborate with customs and other security agencies in the state.
In response to the announcement, Gov. Idris expressed his approval of the border’s reopening for trade.
He stated that the state government is prepared to collaborate with customs and other security agencies in the state.
