Micah Jonah
8 February 2026
The Federal Government has officially approved the reopening of the Tsamiya land border in Kebbi State to facilitate trans-border trade, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, announced on Saturday.
Adeniyi disclosed the move during an interactive session with exporters, transporters, and onion traders in Kebbi, assuring stakeholders that the government was sensitive to the economic hardship caused by the prolonged closure. He emphasized that high-level diplomatic, security, and customs authorities had been actively engaged to resolve the trade bottleneck.
“We are not unconcerned about what is happening. Behind the scenes, all stakeholders have been working round the clock to resolve these challenges,” Adeniyi said, adding that Nigeria recently hosted an urgent delegation from the Niger Republic Customs Service and its Chamber of Commerce in Abuja to fast-track solutions.
According to the Customs chief, the reopening was driven by the strong political will of President Bola Tinubu and cooperation from neighboring governments. Adeniyi confirmed that operations at Tsamiya will follow strict security protocols to prevent criminal exploitation and ensure safe trade.
Customs will also deploy an ICT-based system interconnected with customs administrations in Benin and Niger Republics to guarantee seamless monitoring and transparency. Adeniyi issued a stern warning that any diversion of goods outside approved corridors will attract criminal prosecution.
The CG highlighted the importance of developing border communities, noting that inclusive growth strengthens security and fosters cooperation. He commended Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris for his people-focused and security-conscious approach to border management.
Governor Idris expressed satisfaction with the reopening, pledging full collaboration with customs and security agencies while supporting the families of slain officers in accordance with state protocols. A senior officer from Benin Republic Customs also praised the move, reaffirming bilateral cooperation to ensure safe and efficient trade.
Stakeholders hailed the reopening as a significant boost for non-oil exports, especially onions, which are highly perishable and critical to the livelihoods of farmers. Isa Aliyu, President of the National Onion Producers, Processors, and Marketers Association of Nigeria (NOPPMAN), said the move would support President Tinubu’s economic diversification agenda, increase revenue, and create jobs.
With regulated operations now in place, exporters and traders are optimistic that the reopening of the Tsamiya corridor will restore confidence, strengthen regional trade, and position Nigeria as a leader in West African commerce.
