Customs, Kebbi Govt partner on Niger-Benin Transit Corridor as FG opens Trade Routes By JAMIL GULMA Kebbi
Customs, Kebbi Govt partner on Niger-Benin Transit Corridor as FG opens Trade Routes
By JAMIL GULMA Kebbi
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has entered into a strategic partnership with Kebbi Government to implement President Bola Tinubu’s approved transit corridor for goods bound for Niger Republic through the Benin Republic.
Speaking while receiving the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale-Adeniyi during a courtesy visit in Birnin Kebbi on Saturday, Kebbi State Governor, Comrade Dr Nasir Idris assured that the state is fully prepared to collaborate with the Federal Government to ensure smooth and effective operations of the corridor.
“We are not surprised because we know that when Mr President says something, he means it and will follow through, the Governor said.
“We will provide the necessary social amenities, and infrastructure and ensure that roads are motorable,” Idris assured.
The governor commended the leadership style of the Comptroller-General Adewale- Adeniyi and expressed appreciation to the Benin Republic delegation for their cooperation .
Earlier, the Comptroller-General said the initiative would address transit bottlenecks, safeguard national security and guarantee 48-hour cargo clearance window through the deployment of cutting-edge technology to prevent diversion of goods.
“President Tinubu has given us the mandate to allow trucks transit to the Niger Republic through Benin Republic and Kebbi State,” Adewale Adeniyi said.
“We are deploying modern technology to ensure that goods meant for specific destinations are not diverted.”
He warned that economic operators who violate transit regulations would face stiff sanctions, stressing that non-compliance would create non-tariff barriers and undermine trust between neighboring countries.
The Customs boss, who received a rousing welcome from Gov. Idris and two former governors despite a 24 hours of notice of his visit, commended Kebbi state’s spirit of brotherhood and its strategic importance to Nigeria’s security architecture.
“When we speak of Kebbi, we reference the historic Gwandu Emirate whose influence extends across Nigeria and into neighbouring Benin and Niger Republics,” he said.
“There is a saying that when Kebbi coughs, the entire country sneezes.”
Adewale-Adeniyi explained that the bilateral engagement was designed to strengthen cooperation in the movement of transit goods,enhance information sharing, address border security challenges, and ensure that legitimate trade contributes optimally to economic growth.
He disclosed that cargoes from Apapa ports and Nigerian airports destined for neighbouring countries would be processed and moved within 48 hours without compromising national security or economic interests.
The customs boss also noted that security threats are often coordinated by criminal actors relying on narcotics trafficking, smuggling networks, and illegal weapon trafficking, stressing that strong inter-agency coordination was essential to staying ahead of such threats.
“For us to be ahead of them, we must be even more coordinated,” he said.
“Kebbi State has one of the most effective inter-agency coordination networks , with the state government providing logistical support to all security agencies.”
“Under the new framework, the added , trucks will pay a token fee for infrastructure maintenance in designated transit areas, particularly along the Tsamiya Corridor in Bagudo Local Government Area.
He further stated that the Nigeria Customs Service would streamline documentation processes and remove bottlenecks along major corridors, including the Illela-Sokoto-Kamba-Niger Republic routes, as well as corridors linking Apapa ports and airports to neighbouring countries.
