The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reaffirmed its commitment to secure border governance and improved trade facilitation following the Federal Government’s approval to reopen the Tsamiya Border Corridor. This was disclosed during a high-level stakeholders’ engagement held on Saturday, 7 February 2026, at the Government House in Kebbi State.
The engagement brought together security agencies, traditional leaders, economic operators, and international customs representatives to review practical steps for strengthening Nigeria’s northwest border architecture while allowing legitimate transit trade to operate smoothly under strict compliance measures.
The reopening of the Tsamiya Corridor reflects the Service’s ongoing effort to balance national security priorities with trade facilitation goals, especially along key land routes and the River Niger corridor that links Nigeria with neighbouring countries.
Speaking at the event, the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, stressed the need for structured inter-agency and cross-border cooperation to address evolving transit trade and security challenges.
According to him, “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 explained that the NCS is engaging customs authorities from the Niger Republic and the Republic of Benin, with support from the political leadership of President Bola Tinubu and President Patrice Talon, to resolve long-standing transit trade issues through coordinated Customs-to-Customs collaboration.
“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,” Adeniyi stated.
The CGC further noted that operations along the Tsamiya Corridor will be guided by enhanced monitoring measures, including ICT-driven interconnectivity systems, improved profiling of licensed customs agents, and close surveillance of goods in transit. He warned that any truck found outside the approved route would be seized and offenders prosecuted in line with existing transit regulations, adding that recent prosecutions demonstrate the Service’s firm enforcement stance.
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 the growth of the Service and national security.
In his remarks, the Executive Governor of Kebbi State, Nasir Idris, reiterated the state government’s commitment to supporting Customs and other security agencies through the provision of logistics, infrastructure, and community engagement across 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 stakeholders’ engagement attracted the Immediate Past Governor of Kebbi State and Honourable Minister of Budget and National Planning, Atiku Bagudu, as well as another former governor, Usman Dakingari. Also in attendance were 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 renewed collaboration would enhance border security, strengthen regional trade, and position Kebbi State as a strategic hub for lawful economic activities.
