The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS has reaffirmed its commitment to secure border governance and efficient transit trade following the Federal Government’s approval for the reopening of the Tsamiya Border Corridor.
This was disclosed during a high-level stakeholders’ engagement held on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at the Government House, Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State.
The engagement brought together security agencies, traditional institutions, economic operators, international customs representatives and government officials to deliberate on practical measures for strengthening border security along Nigeria’s North-West axis while ensuring seamless flow of legitimate trade under strict compliance frameworks.
The reopening of the Tsamiya Corridor forms part of the Federal Government’s broader strategy to balance national security imperatives with trade facilitation, particularly along strategic land routes and the River Niger corridor linking Nigeria with neighbouring countries.
Speaking at the forum, the Comptroller-General of Customs, CGC, Adewale Adeniyi, stressed the need for coordinated inter-agency and cross-border collaboration to effectively address evolving security and transit trade challenges.
According to him, criminal networks thrive on cooperation and shared resources, making it imperative for security agencies to adopt a unified and intelligence-driven approach.
“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,” Adeniyi said.
The CGC disclosed that the Service is engaging Customs administrations in the Republic of Niger and the Republic of Benin, with the support of President Bola Tinubu and President Patrice Talon, to resolve longstanding transit trade issues through structured Customs-to-Customs cooperation.
He noted that diversion of transit goods is a regional challenge that requires harmonised enforcement, clear operational guidelines and strict compliance mechanisms to ensure goods reach their intended destinations.
Adeniyi explained that operations along the Tsamiya Corridor would be driven by enhanced monitoring through ICT interconnectivity, strengthened profiling of licensed customs agents, and close surveillance of goods in transit.
He warned that any truck found outside approved routes would be seized, with offenders prosecuted in line with existing transit regulations.
He further commended the Kebbi State Government for fostering a coordinated security environment and acknowledged the contributions of retired senior customs officers from the state to national security and the development of the Service.
In his remarks, the Governor of Kebbi State, Nasir Idris, assured stakeholders of the state government’s continued support for Customs and other security agencies through the provision of logistics, infrastructure and sustained engagement with border communities.
“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 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.
Participants expressed confidence that the renewed collaboration would enhance border security, promote lawful trade, and position Kebbi State as a strategic hub for legitimate economic activities in the region.
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