- Tinubu Orders Safe Transit Routes to Clear Niger-Bound Cargo
- Dr Adeniyi explained that the initiative is designed to facilitate the smooth movement of transit cargo, especially goods originating from Apapa ports and Nigerian airports and destined for neighbouring countries.
- Adeniyi expressed optimism that sustained follow-up actions would reduce costs
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the creation of safe corridors and guaranteed passage to ease the movement of loaded trucks awaiting clearance to the Republic of Niger, in a move aimed at reducing transit delays and boosting regional trade.
Eko Hot Blog gathered that the directive was conveyed on Friday by the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Dr Wale Adeniyi, during a high-level bilateral meeting between the Nigeria Customs Service and the Niger Republic Customs Administration held at the Customs House, Maitama, Abuja.
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A delegation from Niger Republic Customs, led by its Director-General, Muhammadu Yaqouba, attended the meeting, which focused on resolving transit bottlenecks and strengthening cross-border cooperation.
Dr Adeniyi explained that the initiative is designed to facilitate the smooth movement of transit cargo, especially goods originating from Apapa ports and Nigerian airports and destined for neighbouring countries. He stressed that while trade facilitation is a priority, national security and economic interests would not be compromised.
According to him, transit cargoes would continue to be processed and cleared within 48 hours, while strict monitoring measures have been introduced to prevent diversion of goods. He warned that operators who violate transit regulations would face stiff sanctions.
The Customs boss noted that the actions of a few non-compliant operators often create non-tariff barriers and erode trust. He said the Service is determined to streamline documentation processes and eliminate avoidable bottlenecks along major trade corridors, including Illela–Sokoto–Kamba–Niger Republic, as well as routes linking seaports and airports to neighbouring countries.
Dr Adeniyi congratulated Yaqouba on his appointment and recalled the long-standing professional collaboration between both Customs administrations through World Customs Organisation (WCO) platforms and bilateral engagements.
He also highlighted Nigeria’s international obligations to support landlocked countries, noting that under global conventions, Nigeria remains committed to providing access to the sea for its neighbours, including Niger Republic.
He acknowledged the unique challenges faced by landlocked nations, such as higher transaction costs and reliance on neighbouring infrastructure, and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to sustaining trade facilitation efforts regardless of political differences.
Describing the engagement as the start of a renewed phase of cooperation, Adeniyi expressed optimism that sustained follow-up actions would reduce costs, increase trade volumes and make the transit corridors more attractive to transport operators.
In his remarks, DG Muhammadu Yaqouba described the visit as a practical working engagement between two Customs administrations bound by shared responsibilities. He thanked the Nigeria Customs Service for the warm reception and said the meeting was prompted by prolonged truck blockages along the Benin–Niger route and rising regional security concerns.
Yaqouba disclosed that Niger Republic has stepped up its fight against terrorism since 2024, including the launch of Operation Saran Kasa, a coordinated security initiative involving all national security agencies. He said scanners have now been deployed to inspect all goods entering Niger, underscoring the critical role of Customs in combating terrorism, arms trafficking and cross-border crime.
Also speaking, the National Coordinator of the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Office of the National Security Adviser, Major-General Garba Laka, expressed condolences to the Government and people of Niger over the recent terrorist attack near Niamey Airport.
He stressed that Nigeria and Niger share deep historical, cultural and familial ties, particularly in border communities, and warned that insecurity in any part of the Sahel affects the entire region.
Major-General Laka called for stronger bilateral security frameworks, including joint operations and the revival of cross-border right-of-pursuit arrangements. He expressed confidence that the outcomes of the meeting would translate into concrete action on trade facilitation and regional security.
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