The Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, has lauded the Federal Government’s move to reopen the Tsamiya land border with Benin Republic for trans-border trade.
He said the state government was ready to work with the Customs Service and other security agencies to ensure that the reopening did not compromise the security of the country.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, on Saturday said President Bola Tinubu had approved the reopening of the border.
While responding to concerns raised by stakeholders, including exporters, transporters and onion traders, during an interactive session in Kebbi, Adeniyi said the Federal Government was not indifferent to the hardship caused by the prolonged border closure.
Adeniyi said the reopening would be guided by clearly defined security protocols to prevent criminal exploitation of the corridor.
“We are not unconcerned about what is happening. Behind the scenes, all stakeholders have been working around the clock to resolve these challenges.
“There are criminals and non-state actors who may want to take advantage of trade routes. We must facilitate trade without compromising national security,” he warned.
The Customs boss revealed that Nigeria recently received an urgent delegation from the Niger Republic Customs Service and members of its Chamber of Commerce in Abuja to fast-track solutions to the trade bottleneck.
He disclosed that Customs would deploy an ICT-based system interconnectivity with customs administrations in Benin Republic and Niger Republic to ensure seamless declarations, monitoring and transparency.
Adeniyi also warned against diversion of goods in transit, saying, “Any truck found outside the approved transit corridor will be seized.
“We have prosecuted operators and suspended officers for such violations. We will not hesitate to take criminal action against anyone who breaks the law.”
The CG emphasised the need to develop border communities, saying inclusive growth would enhance security and cooperation.
In his remarks, the Kebbi State governor described the border reopening as a welcome development, promising that the government would support the families of slain Customs officers in the area.
“In Kebbi State, we are ready to support the Customs service and other security agents to achieve their aim. Let me also assure you that this administration will support the families of the slain officers in accordance with this administration’s procedure.
“I also want to assure you of the fact that we will support the operations towards the Tsamiya border reopening with two Hilux vehicles,” he added.
Speaking at the event, a senior officer of the Benin Republic Customs Service, Immora Idrisu, commended Nigeria for reopening the corridor and reaffirmed commitment to bilateral cooperation.
“We work hand in hand with Nigerian Customs to facilitate safe and secure trade. We are pleased with the leadership of the Nigerian Customs Service, and we will support this initiative fully,” he said.
Earlier, the President of the National Onion Producers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria, Isa Aliyu, said the Tsamiya corridor was critical to the survival of onion farmers and traders.
“Onion is highly perishable. Every hour of delay translates to losses. Closure pushes trade to illegal routes, weakens regulation and reduces government revenue,” he said.
Aliyu noted that reopening the border would support President Tinubu’s economic diversification agenda, boost GDP, increase internally generated revenue for onion-producing states, create jobs and improve trade data collection.
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