Nigeria Opens Kebbi Borders With Benin Republic, Niger For Trade Activities!
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Nigeria Opens Kebbi Borders With Benin Republic, Niger For Trade Activities!
Reported by Mustapha Labake Omowumi (Journalist) | Sele Media Africa
In a significant move aimed at revitalising cross‑border commerce and enhancing regional economic integration, the Federal Government of Nigeria has officially reopened key land border points in Kebbi State with the Republic of Benin and the Republic of Niger to trade and transit activities.
Under the presidential directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Tsamiya border corridor long closed since 2019 has now been reopened to facilitate lawful trade, improve the movement of goods, and strengthen economic ties with Nigeria’s neighbouring countries.
The reopening covers major trade routes including the Tsamiya border with Benin Republic and the Kamba corridor linking Nigeria to Niger Republic. These corridors will serve as vital gateways for the transit of agricultural commodities, manufactured goods, and other legitimate trade consignments across the West African sub‑region.
According to an official of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), more than 2,000 trucks that were previously stranded at the border due to past closures have already begun moving through the reopened corridors, marking an early success for the policy shift.
Strategic Objectives and Economic Impact
The Federal Government’s border reopening is intended to:
Revive cross‑border commerce and transit trade that had languished following prolonged closures.
Boost regional supply chains, especially for agricultural exports and imports, including goods such as onions, grains, and other food staples.
Enhance Nigeria’s role in the West African continental market by reducing logistical bottlenecks.
Nigeria Customs officials have emphasised that the restored corridor operations will be supported by enhanced surveillance systems, digital tracking technologies, and strict compliance protocols to ensure legitimate trade flows and curb smuggling.
Government and Local Stakeholder Reactions
Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State reaffirmed the state’s readiness to collaborate with federal authorities and neighbouring countries to ensure infrastructure and security arrangements are in place for seamless trade.
Similarly, local leaders and transport stakeholders have welcomed the reopening, noting that it promises renewed economic opportunities for border communities long affected by restricted movement and stalled commerce.
Security and Compliance Considerations
While the border reopening is broadly seen as a win for traders and regional integration, authorities have underscored the need for vigilant enforcement to ensure that border security is not compromised. The Nigeria Customs Service reiterated that trucks and goods must adhere to strict transit guidelines, warning that non‑compliance will attract penalties.
Looking Ahead
The reopening of the Kebbi border with Benin and Niger marks a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s border trade policy, signalling a renewed commitment to economic cooperation within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) framework. As transport flows resume and regional trade dynamics improve, analysts expect positive impacts on market access, employment, and revenue generation across the border states.
Citations:
1.BusinessDay
https://businessday.ng/news/article/nigeria-reopens-tsamiya-border-with-benin-after-7-year-closure/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
2.AllAfrica
https://allafrica.com/stories/202602100132.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com
3.AllAfrica
https://allafrica.com/stories/202602090087.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com
4.Nairaland Forum
https://www.nairaland.com/post/138420670?utm_source=chatgpt.com
5.Independent Nigeria
https://independent.ng/fg-reopens-tsamiya-corridor-to-boost-legitimate-trade-strengthen-border-governance/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
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