FG APPROVES REOPENING OF TSAMIYA LAND BORDER IN KEBBI FOR TRADE
Read Time:2 Minute, 8 Second
By Aishat Momoh. O.
The Federal Government has approved the reopening of the Tsamiya land border in Kebbi State for trans-border trade, under strict security and compliance guidelines, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, announced on Saturday.
Adeniyi disclosed the development during an interactive session with stakeholders, including exporters, transporters, and onion traders, assuring them that the government had been working behind the scenes to resolve trade bottlenecks caused by prolonged border restrictions.
“We are not unconcerned about what is happening. All stakeholders have been working round the clock to resolve these challenges,” Adeniyi said, noting that the reopening followed strong political will from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and cooperation from neighbouring governments.
The Customs boss emphasised that operations at the corridor would be guided by robust security protocols to prevent criminal exploitation. “There are criminals and non-state actors who may want to take advantage of trade routes. We must facilitate trade without compromising national security,” he warned.
Adeniyi also revealed plans to deploy ICT-based interconnectivity with customs administrations in Benin and Niger Republics for seamless monitoring, declarations, and transparency. He issued a stern warning against diversion of goods in transit, noting that trucks operating outside approved corridors would be seized, and violators prosecuted.
Highlighting the importance of border communities, Adeniyi said inclusive growth would strengthen security, stating, “Border communities must feel the impact of the prosperity passing through their areas. That sense of belonging strengthens national security.” He commended Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris for prioritising border communities.
Governor Idris welcomed the decision, assuring support for customs operations and the families of slain officers. A senior official from the Benin Republic Customs Service praised Nigeria’s initiative and reaffirmed commitment to bilateral cooperation.
Stakeholders, including the National Onion Producers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria (NOPPMAN), hailed the reopening as critical for perishable goods trade. Isa Aliyu, president of NOPPMAN, said, “Onion is highly perishable. Every hour of delay translates to losses. Closure pushes trade to illegal routes, weakens regulation, and reduces government revenue.”
Aliyu added that the move would support economic diversification, boost GDP, create jobs, increase internally generated revenue, and improve trade data collection. Other stakeholders urged the reopening of additional land borders to enhance regional trade.
With Tsamiya officially reopened, traders and economic operators expressed optimism that regulated operations would restore confidence, safeguard farmers, improve revenue collection, and reinforce Nigeria’s leadership in regional trade.
The National Security Adviser’s office, represented by Ahmad Bello, pledged collaboration with all registered operators to ensure smooth border operations going forward.
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