Tsamiya Border: FG Approves Reopening for Trade, Security Balance

Tsamiya Border: FG Approves Reopening for Trade, Security Balance
The Comptroller-General of Customs stressed the need for structured inter-agency and cross-border collaboration
Commended the Kebbi State Government for its support in fostering a coordinated security environment

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has received Federal Government approval to reopen the Tsamiya Border Corridor, marking a significant step toward strengthening border security while facilitating legitimate trade.

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Eko Hot Blog reports that the approval was announced during a high-level stakeholders’ engagement held at the Government House in Kebbi State.

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The meeting brought together security agencies, traditional rulers, economic operators, and international customs representatives to deliberate on practical strategies for reinforcing Nigeria’s northwest border architecture and ensuring seamless, compliant trade operations.

According to the NCS, the reopening of the Tsamiya Corridor reflects its ongoing effort to balance national security imperatives with trade facilitation, particularly along vital land routes and the River Niger corridor linking Nigeria to neighbouring countries.

Speaking at the event, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, stressed the need for structured inter-agency and cross-border collaboration to effectively address evolving security and transit trade challenges. He noted that criminal networks thrive on cooperation and shared resources, making coordinated action among security agencies essential.

Adeniyi disclosed that the Service is working closely with customs authorities in the Niger Republic and the Republic of Benin, with the backing of President Bola Tinubu and President Patrice Talon, to resolve longstanding transit trade issues through Customs-to-Customs cooperation.

He explained that diversion of goods in transit is a regional challenge that requires joint enforcement, clear operational guidelines, and strict compliance to ensure goods reach their intended destinations.

Tsamiya Border: FG Approves Reopening for Trade, Security Balance

The CGC added that the Tsamiya Corridor will operate under enhanced monitoring, including ICT-driven interconnectivity, improved profiling of licensed customs agents, and close surveillance of goods in transit.

Warning against violations, Adeniyi stated that any truck found outside the approved route would be seized and offenders prosecuted in line with transit regulations, citing recent prosecutions as proof of the Service’s firm stance.

He commended the Kebbi State Government for its support in fostering a coordinated security environment and acknowledged the contributions of retired senior customs officers from the state to national development and security.

In his remarks, Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting Customs and other security agencies through the provision of logistics, infrastructure, and community engagement in border areas. He added that the state remains focused on enhancing security while ensuring sustainable development for border communities.