The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Area Command in Kebbi State has reopened the Kamba and Tsamiya border routes in Dandi and Bagudo Local Government Areas to facilitate cross-border trade with the Republics of Benin and Niger.
The borders had previously been closed due to rising insecurity along the frontier communities, disrupting legitimate trading activities.
The reopening, effective Monday, February 9, followed diplomatic engagements and agreements between Nigeria and the Republic of Benin aimed at restoring lawful trade and strengthening bilateral cooperation.
Speaking during the exercise, Customs Area Comptroller in Kebbi State, Mahmud Matawalle Ibrahim, said the decision was taken with presidential approval to ensure smooth movement of lawful goods across the borders.
He stated, “The borders were opened on the approval of the President to allow for the movement of legitimate goods from the Tsamiya border to the Niger Republic through the Kamba border in Kebbi State.”
Ibrahim noted that several trucks stranded due to the previous closure had already been cleared, with consignments from Benin officially processed at the Tsamiya border and allowed to proceed to Niger via Kamba.
He expressed optimism that the reopening would revitalise economic activities in border communities and strengthen regional trade ties.
“The reopening of the borders will facilitate and boost trading activities between the countries, and also enhance security as we are committed to keeping the agreements and ensuring the smooth operation of trading activities at the borders,” Ibrahim added.
Authorities emphasised that security considerations remain a priority, with both sides committed to upholding the agreements and ensuring safe and seamless trading operations.
