The Federal Government has approved the reopening of the Tsamiya Border Corridor, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening border governance while facilitating legitimate transit trade across Nigeria’s northwest axis.
This was disclosed at a high-level stakeholders’ engagement led by the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, on Saturday, 7 February 2026, at the Kebbi State Government House. The meeting brought together security agencies, traditional institutions, economic operators, and international customs representatives to review strategies for securing Nigeria’s borders without disrupting lawful commerce.
The reopening of the Tsamiya Corridor marks a critical step in balancing national security imperatives with trade facilitation, particularly along strategic land routes and the River Niger corridor linking Nigeria to neighbouring countries.
Speaking at the forum, CGC Adeniyi stressed that modern border threats require coordinated inter-agency and cross-border responses. He noted that criminal networks thrive on collaboration, making it imperative for security agencies to operate in synergy to counter evolving transit and smuggling challenges.
Adeniyi revealed that the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) is working closely with customs administrations in the Niger Republic and the Republic of Benin, backed by the political support of President Bola Tinubu and President Patrice Talon, to address longstanding transit trade issues through structured Customs-to-Customs cooperation.
He explained that the Tsamiya Corridor will operate under strict compliance protocols, including enhanced ICT-driven monitoring, improved profiling of licensed customs agents, and close surveillance of goods in transit. The CGC warned that any truck found diverting from approved routes would be seized, with offenders prosecuted in line with existing transit regulations.
Commending the Kebbi State Government, Adeniyi described the state as a model for coordinated security management and acknowledged the contributions of retired senior customs officers from the state to national development and border security.
In his remarks, Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting Customs and other security agencies through logistics, infrastructure development, and sustained community engagement in border areas.
The engagement was attended by former Kebbi State Governors, including the Honourable Minister of Budget and National Planning, Atiku Bagudu, Usman Dakingari, officials of the Republic of Benin Customs Service, representatives of the Office of the National Security Adviser, heads of security agencies, traditional rulers, and key economic operators.
Stakeholders expressed confidence that the reopening of the Tsamiya Corridor, coupled with strengthened inter-agency collaboration, will enhance border security, boost regional trade, and position Kebbi State as a strategic hub for lawful economic activities.
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