By Bose
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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the immediate reopening of the Samiya International Border in Kebbi State, reactivating a strategic gateway for trade and transit linking Nigeria to the Republic of Benin and the wider West African sub-region.
The directive was disclosed on Saturday in Birnin Kebbi by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Mr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, during a one-day working visit to the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Area Command in the state capital.
Adeniyi said the reopening marks a decisive shift toward a tightly regulated, technology-driven border management regime designed to boost legitimate trade while closing loopholes exploited by smugglers and economic saboteurs.
Addressing officers and men of the command, the Customs boss issued a stern warning against collusion with smugglers or other non-state actors, stressing that any attempt to undermine the Federal Government’s decision would attract severe consequences. He emphasized that professionalism, discipline, and strict compliance with transit protocols are non-negotiable.
According to him, the policy is aimed at easing transit bottlenecks, strengthening national security, and guaranteeing a 48-hour cargo clearance window. To achieve this, he said, Customs is deploying advanced tracking and monitoring technologies to ensure that goods move transparently and reach their declared destinations without diversion.
Adeniyi further disclosed that President Tinubu has authorised the Nigeria Customs Service to permit the transit of trucks to the Niger Republic through the Benin Republic and Kebbi State, describing the move as part of a broader strategy to deepen regional trade while maintaining firm oversight.
He warned that economic operators who violate transit regulations would face stiff sanctions, noting that non-compliance creates non-tariff barriers, distorts trade flows, and undermines trust and cooperation among neighbouring countries.
The Comptroller-General was received with a rousing welcome by officers and men of the Kebbi Area Command. His visit was accompanied by a high-level delegation from the Benin Republic Customs Service, led by Mr. Imura Idirisou, alongside other senior officials—underscoring renewed cross-border collaboration and a shared commitment to secure, efficient, and rules-based trade.
