The Federal Government has approved the reopening of the Tsamiya Border Corridor in Kebbi State as part of sustained efforts to strengthen border governance, boost legitimate transit trade, and enhance national security.
The development was disclosed during a high-level stakeholders’ engagement convened by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at the Government House, Birnin Kebbi.
The forum brought together key stakeholders including security agencies, traditional rulers, economic operators, and international customs representatives to deliberate on practical measures for reinforcing Nigeria’s north-west border architecture while ensuring seamless movement of legitimate goods under strict compliance frameworks.
Speaking at the engagement, the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, said the reopening of the Tsamiya Corridor reflected the Federal Government’s resolve to strike a balance between national security imperatives and trade facilitation, especially along strategic land routes and the River Niger corridor linking Nigeria with neighbouring countries.
Adeniyi stressed the need for strong inter-agency collaboration and cross-border cooperation to address evolving security and transit trade challenges.
“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 said.
The CGC disclosed that the Nigeria Customs Service is engaging its counterparts in the Republic of Niger and the Republic of Benin, with the backing of President Bola Tinubu and President Patrice Talon, to address long-standing transit trade issues through coordinated Customs-to-Customs collaboration.
According to him, diversion of goods in transit is a transnational challenge that requires clear guidelines, coordinated enforcement, and strict compliance to ensure cargo reaches approved destinations.
He explained that the Tsamiya Corridor will operate under enhanced monitoring mechanisms, including ICT-driven interconnectivity systems, improved profiling of licensed customs agents, and close surveillance of transit cargo. Adeniyi warned that any truck found deviating from approved routes would be seized and offenders prosecuted in line with existing regulations, citing recent prosecutions as evidence of the Service’s firm enforcement stance.
The Comptroller-General 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 security and the growth of the Service.
In his remarks, Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting Customs and other security agencies through logistics, infrastructure, and sustained community engagement in 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 sustainable development,” the governor said.
The engagement was attended by former Governor of Kebbi State and Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu; former Governor Usman Dakingari; 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.
Stakeholders expressed optimism that the reopening of the Tsamiya Border Corridor and the renewed collaboration among agencies and neighbouring countries would strengthen border security, promote regional trade, and position Kebbi State as a strategic hub for lawful economic activities.
