Nigeria Reopens Tsamiya Border to Boost Trade with Tight Security Protocols
The Nigerian government has approved the reopening of the Tsamiya land border in Kebbi State for trans-border trade, implementing stringent security and compliance measures to balance economic activity with national safety.
The announcement was made on Saturday by Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, during a meeting with exporters, transporters, and commodity traders in Kebbi. The decision follows extensive consultations among security, diplomatic, and customs authorities from Nigeria and neighbouring countries. According to Adeniyi, officials from the Niger Republic Customs Service and its Chamber of Commerce recently engaged Nigerian counterparts to resolve existing trade bottlenecks. The authorization was granted by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as part of a broader strategy to ease trade restrictions while upholding security standards.
“The Tsamiya border has now been approved for reopening for trade and related services,” Adeniyi stated. He emphasized that all operations will operate under defined security protocols designed to prevent criminal activities. To enhance transparency and monitoring, the Nigeria Customs Service will deploy information and communication technology (ICT) systems for real-time interconnectivity with customs administrations in Niger and Benin Republics. This digital linkage aims to streamline declarations, improve oversight, and foster trust among regional partners.
A critical component of the new framework is strict control over transit corridors. Adeniyi warned that any truck found diverted outside approved routes will be seized and its operators prosecuted, underscoring the zero-tolerance policy against smuggling and illicit trade.
Beyond enforcement, the Comptroller-General highlighted the importance of border community development. He argued that economic inclusion is vital for long-term security, as thriving local populations are more likely to cooperate with authorities and support stable, regulated commerce.
The move has been welcomed by regional stakeholders. Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, pledged the state government’s full cooperation with customs and security agencies to ensure smooth operations. A representative of the Benin Republic Customs Service described the reopening as a positive step, reaffirming bilateral commitment to safe and regulated trade.
For traders, the corridor’s revival is particularly significant. Isa Aliyu, President of the National Onion Producers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria (NOPPMAN), noted that the Tsamiya route is critical for onion farmers due to the commodity’s perishable nature. He cautioned that prolonged closures often shift trade to illegal routes, diminishing government revenue and regulatory control. Exporters and traders broadly view the reopening as a boost for regional commerce and Nigeria’s non-oil export sector.
The Office of the National Security Adviser has assured continued collaboration with customs and registered agents to maintain compliance and security along the corridor.
The reopening of Tsamiya marks a calibrated effort to revitalize cross-border economic activity in West Africa. By integrating advanced monitoring with robust legal frameworks and regional cooperation, Nigeria aims to formalize trade flows, increase revenue, and address security concerns—a model that may influence future border management policies in the region.
