The Nigerian government has reopened key border crossings with Benin and Niger, ending a months-long closure that stranded over 2,000 trucks and disrupted regional trade. The move, directed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saw the Kamba and Tsamiya border posts in Kebbi State officially opened to commercial traffic on Monday.
The decision facilitates the transit of legitimate goods and revives cross-border commerce, which had been suspended due to security concerns. Mahmoud Matawalle-Ibrahim, Kebbi Area Controller for the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), confirmed the reopening occurred with presidential approval. He stated the operation enables the smooth movement of goods from the Tsamiya border into Niger Republic via the Kamba corridor. Many trucks from Benin, already cleared at Tsamiya, are now en route to the Tunga Jado border in Niger.
A Niger Republic official, Maigiro Yahaya-Tubil, expressed relief, noting the decision allows their marooned vehicles to reach destinations freely. He emphasized the economic stimulus the reopening provides for neighbouring countries. Locally, the District Head of Kamba, Muhammed Sarkin-Shikon-Kamba, described the development as a major relief for border communities, restoring livelihoods and bringing economic benefits. He thanked the federal government for the action.
The reopening is expected to boost trading activities between Nigeria and its neighbours while strengthening joint security efforts along shared borders. The resumption of formal trade routes marks a significant step in normalising regional economic corridors after a prolonged hiatus.
