The Federal Government on Monday formally reopened the Nigeria–Niger Republic border through the Kamba corridor in Kebbi State, marking another step toward restoring cross-border trade and regional economic integration.
The development comes days after President Bola Tinubu approved the resumption of movement along the Nigeria–Benin Republic route via the Tsamiya corridor, in a bid to revitalise regional trade, strengthen economic ties and ease the movement of legitimate goods and services across West Africa.
Speaking at the official reopening ceremony in Kamba, the Area Controller of the Nigeria Customs Service, Kebbi Area Command, Mahmoud Ibrahim, said the Service was committed to implementing the President’s directive as conveyed by the Comptroller-General of Customs.
“We are here today to faithfully carry out the directive of Mr President through the Comptroller-General of Customs. Our officers and personnel are ready to ensure that legitimate trade and lawful commercial activities resume smoothly through this corridor,” Ibrahim said.
He added that Customs would intensify monitoring and enforcement to ensure compliance with trade regulations and prevent smuggling and other illegal activities along the reopened route.
Also speaking, the Controller of the Federal Operations Unit, Zone B, Aminu Suleiman, said the reopening would be accompanied by strict enforcement measures to safeguard national economic interests.
“The reopening of the border does not mean a relaxation of the law. Rather, it calls for greater professionalism and vigilance to ensure transparency and security in cross-border trade,” Suleiman said.
Earlier, the District Head of Kamba, Muhammad Shiko Kamba, thanked the Federal Government for reopening the border, describing the move as timely and economically beneficial to border communities.
“This reopening is a major relief to our people. It will restore livelihoods, stimulate commerce and bring prosperity not only to Kamba but to Kebbi State and Nigeria at large,” he said.
Representing Kebbi State Governor Nasiru Idris, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Barrister Attahiru Maccido, described the reopening of the Tsamiya and Kamba corridors as a historic milestone for regional trade.
“Today feels like a Sallah celebration. The reopening of these two major border routes is a huge economic boost and a clear signal of renewed hope for our people,” Maccido said.
He, however, urged traders and security agencies to uphold transparency and accountability.
“While this reopening will boost economic activities and create employment opportunities, especially for our youths, all stakeholders must ensure that only lawful and transparent businesses are conducted now and in the future,” he added.
The reopening of the Nigeria–Niger border through Kamba is expected to enhance trade flows, improve livelihoods in border communities and strengthen Nigeria’s economic integration within the West African sub-region.
