Customs Reopens Kamba & Tsamiya Borders Following Security Talks
Customs Reopens Kamba & Tsamiya Borders Following Security Talks
According to Ireporter Online, 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 enhance cross-border trade with the Republics of Benin and Niger.
The borders had been temporarily closed due to rising security concerns in the frontier communities. The reopening, effective Monday, February 9, followed diplomatic engagements and agreements between Nigeria and the Republic of Benin to restore legitimate trading activities and strengthen bilateral cooperation.
Speaking on the development, Kebbi State Customs Area Comptroller Mahmud Matawalle Ibrahim confirmed that the reopening was carried out with presidential approval to facilitate the smooth movement of lawful goods across the borders. He explained that the arrangement allows consignments from the Tsamiya border to move to the Niger Republic through the Kamba route.
“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 via the Kamba border in Kebbi State,” Ibrahim said. He added that several trucks that had been stranded due to the earlier closure have already been cleared.
Ibrahim further noted that trucks arriving from the Benin Republic were officially processed at the Tsamiya border before proceeding to the Niger Republic’s Tunga Jado border through Kamba. He expressed optimism that the move would revitalize economic activities in the border communities and strengthen regional trade ties.
He emphasised that security remained a priority, assuring that authorities on both sides were committed to upholding the agreements and ensuring safe, seamless trading operations. “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,” he added.
