The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, has stated that the reopening of the Benin Republic border through Tsamiya in Bagudo Local Government Area of Kebbi State must not compromise the security of the state or the nation.
Adeniyi explained that while the border reopening is aimed at facilitating trade and easing transit bottlenecks, stringent measures will be implemented to safeguard national security.
“The Customs and the neighbouring republics will work closely with counterparts to strengthen border security through the deployment of sophisticated information and communication technology (ICT) for effective monitoring of the movement of goods and people,” he said.
The Customs boss commended President Bola Tinubu for approving the reopening of the border for transit purposes and expressed appreciation to Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris for mobilising stakeholders and supporting the establishment of a transit corridor through the state.
According to Adeniyi, the initiative is designed to promote economic growth in border communities while ensuring compliance with security protocols.
“The President has mandated us to allow trucks to transit to the Republic of Niger through the Republic of Benin and Kebbi. We are deploying modern technology to ensure that goods meant for specific destinations are not diverted,” he stated.
He emphasised that strict monitoring mechanisms would be enforced to prevent abuse of the transit arrangement.
The Comptroller-General also warned economic operators against violating transit regulations, noting that non-compliance could attract severe sanctions.
He added that breaches of the framework could create non-tariff barriers, erode trust between neighbouring countries, and undermine the broader objective of regional trade integration and security cooperation.
