The Federal Government has approved the reopening of the Tsamiya Border Corridor as part of renewed efforts to strengthen border governance, enhance national security, and promote legitimate transit trade across Nigeria’s northwest frontier.
This development was announced at a high-level stakeholders’ engagement convened by the Nigeria Customs Service on Saturday, 7 February 2026, at the Kebbi State Government House. The engagement brought together security agencies, traditional institutions, economic operators, and international customs representatives to review strategies for effective border management and seamless trade facilitation.
Speaking at the meeting, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, said the reopening of the Tsamiya Corridor reflects the Federal Government’s resolve to balance national security imperatives with the need to sustain lawful cross-border commerce, particularly along key land routes and the River Niger corridor.
Adeniyi emphasised that evolving transit trade and security challenges demand strong inter-agency cooperation and cross-border collaboration. He noted that criminal networks thrive on coordination and shared resources, making it essential for security agencies to respond with equally coordinated strategies
The Comptroller-General disclosed that the Service is engaging customs authorities in the Niger Republic and the Republic of Benin to address persistent transit trade challenges through Customs-to-Customs cooperation. He added that the efforts are backed by the political will of President Bola Tinubu and President Patrice Talon.
According to Adeniyi, the Tsamiya Corridor will operate under enhanced monitoring mechanisms, including ICT-driven interconnectivity systems, improved profiling of licensed customs agents, and strict surveillance of goods in transit.
He warned that trucks found deviating from approved routes would be seized and offenders prosecuted, citing recent enforcement actions as evidence of the Service’s zero-tolerance stance on diversion of transit goods.
The Customs boss 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 development and border security.
In his remarks, the Executive Governor of Kebbi State, Nasir Idris, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting Customs and other security agencies through the provision of logistics, infrastructure, and sustained community engagement in border areas.
He said the Kebbi State Government remains focused on prioritising security while ensuring that border communities benefit from development initiatives linked to lawful trade and economic activities.
The engagement was attended by former Governor of Kebbi State and Minister of Budget and National Planning, Atiku Bagudu; another 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 reopening of the Tsamiya Corridor and the renewed collaboration among stakeholders will significantly enhance border security, strengthen regional trade, and position Kebbi State as a strategic hub for legitimate economic activities in the sub-region.
