Nigeria’s land border at Tsamiya in Kebbi State is set to resume operations for trans-border trade, a move that signals renewed diplomatic and economic ties with neighbouring Niger Republic while underscoring the Federal Government’s commitment to balancing commerce with national security. Comptroller-General of Customs Adewale Adeniyi announced the approval on Saturday during an interactive session with stakeholders in Kebbi, including exporters, transporters, and onion traders, who have long pressed for relief from prolonged restrictions.
The Tsamiya corridor, a key artery linking Kebbi to Niger, has been a focal point in Nigeria’s fluctuating border policies, often caught in the crosswinds of anti-smuggling campaigns, regional security threats, and economic protectionism. Historically, Nigeria’s land borders have undergone multiple closures and reopenings, dating back to the 1980s. In 1984, under then-military head Muhammadu Buhari, borders were shut to curb smuggling and economic sabotage, echoing protectionist measures that prioritized local production. A brief closure in 2003 under President Olusegun Obasanjo targeted criminal activities harbored in Benin Republic, lasting just a week after diplomatic interventions. More recently, in August 2019, Buhari’s administration imposed a sweeping land border shutdown across the country, including Tsamiya, to stem the influx of smuggled goods like rice and fuel, aiming to bolster domestic agriculture and reduce corruption at porous frontiers. This closure, which extended to neighbors like Benin, Cameroon, Chad, and Niger, lasted until a partial reopening in December 2020, but left lingering economic scars.
The 2019-2020 shutdown devastated border communities and trade-dependent sectors, with weekly losses estimated at N13 billion in informal trade value, according to reports from affected stakeholders. In Kebbi, a northern state renowned for its agricultural output, the onion trade bore the brunt. As one of Nigeria’s leading onion-producing regions, Kebbi supplies much of the nation’s domestic market and exports to West Africa, with annual production figures hovering around 1.5 million tonnes based on data from the National Bureau of Statistics. The closures forced perishable goods like onions onto illegal routes, leading to spoilage, revenue losses for the government, and weakened regulatory oversight. Studies on border communities, such as Kamba in Kebbi, highlight how these restrictions stifled local economies, reducing jobs in farming, transport, and processing while inflating food prices nationwide. The move also strained relations with Benin and Niger, whose economies rely heavily on entrepôt trade—importing goods for re-export to Nigeria—resulting in a reported 20% drop in Benin’s GDP growth during the period.
Post-2020, border management evolved amid new challenges, including the 2023 military coup in Niger, which prompted Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) sanctions and temporary closures. By 2024, partial reopenings occurred, including at Tsamiya, to facilitate legitimate trade under stricter protocols. Recent developments, as of late 2025, include joint boundary re-demarcation efforts between Nigeria and Niger, with agreements on inspections in sectors like Dosso/Katsina and Gaya, alongside a 2026 work plan adopted by the Nigeria/Niger Joint Commission. These steps aim to align with the African Union’s Niamey Convention on cross-border cooperation and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which seeks to boost intra-African trade by reducing tariffs and enhancing connectivity. However, tensions persist: In December 2025, Niger imposed mandatory offloading and inspections on Nigerian shipments, citing security concerns, which could raise transit costs by up to N1.5 million per truckload for miscellaneous goods.
Adeniyi’s announcement reflects President Bola Tinubu’s political will to address these historical frictions through collaborative diplomacy. He revealed that high-level engagements, including a recent delegation from Niger’s Customs Service and Chamber of Commerce in Abuja, paved the way for the reopening. “We are not unconcerned about what is happening. Behind the scenes, all stakeholders have been working round the clock to resolve these challenges,” Adeniyi stated, assuring operators that the government recognizes the hardships from extended restrictions.
Emphasizing security, Adeniyi outlined protocols to safeguard the corridor. “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. Customs plans to deploy ICT-based interconnectivity with Benin and Niger’s administrations for seamless declarations, monitoring, and transparency. He issued a firm directive against goods diversion: “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.”
Adeniyi also highlighted the importance of developing border communities for inclusive growth. “Border communities must feel the impact of the prosperity passing through their areas. That sense of belonging strengthens national security,” he noted, commending Kebbi Governor Nasir Idris as “people-friendly and security-conscious” for prioritizing these areas.
Governor Idris welcomed the decision, stating that Kebbi is prepared to collaborate with Customs and security agencies. He assured support for families of slain Customs officers “in accordance with the laid down procedures of his administration.”
A senior officer from Benin Republic’s Customs Service, speaking on behalf of his agency, praised Nigeria’s initiative. “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.
Stakeholders echoed optimism. Isa Aliyu, President of the National Onion Producers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria (NOPPMAN), described Tsamiya as critical for onion farmers. “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 added that the reopening aligns with Tinubu’s economic diversification agenda, potentially boosting GDP, state revenues, jobs, and trade data.
Abubakar Bello appealed for similar reopenings elsewhere to enhance revenue and regional trade. Ahmad Bello, from the National Security Adviser’s office, affirmed collaboration with registered agents to ensure smooth operations.
This development comes amid broader border-related activities, including Customs’ emphasis on Kebbi’s role in national security, Vice President Kashim Shettima’s visit to Kwara following a deadly attack, and the Tincan command’s handover of expired drugs to NAFDAC.
