President Bola Tinubu has approved the immediate reopening of the Samiya International Border in Kebbi State, restoring a key trade route between Nigeria and the Republic of Benin.
The directive was formally conveyed in Birnin Kebbi during a one-day working visit by the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, to the Kebbi Area Command.
Addressing customs officers, Adeniyi made it clear that the Federal Government expects strict compliance with the reopening order.
He warned personnel against colluding with smugglers or any illicit networks that could undermine the policy.
“Any officer found sabotaging this directive, directly or indirectly, will face severe consequences,” Adeniyi said, stressing that the government would not tolerate internal sabotage.
According to him, the decision to reopen the border is designed to improve cross-border trade, enhance security coordination, and accelerate cargo clearance, with a target of completing legitimate transactions within 48 hours.
He further disclosed that the Customs Service is deploying advanced tracking technologies to monitor goods in transit and prevent diversion from approved routes.
“Technology will now play a central role in ensuring transparency and accountability across our borders,” he said.
Adeniyi also revealed that President Tinubu has authorised the movement of trucks from Nigeria through Benin Republic and Kebbi State into Niger Republic, a move aimed at strengthening regional trade corridors.
He noted that the new digital systems would make it easier to supervise transit operations while reducing abuse by unscrupulous traders and transporters.
Issuing a stern warning to stakeholders, the Customs chief urged transporters and merchants to comply fully with transit regulations.
He cautioned that violations could attract heavy penalties and strain diplomatic and trade relations with neighbouring countries.
“Non-compliance does not just affect Nigeria; it threatens regional cooperation and trust,” Adeniyi added.
The Comptroller-General was received by officers of the Kebbi Area Command and was accompanied by a high-level delegation, including senior officials of the Benin Republic Customs Service led by Imura Idirisou.