Birnin Kebbi – The reopening of the Tsamiya border has been hailed as a landmark moment for Nigeria’s regional trade and economic integration, with the Kebbi State Chapter of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) commending the Federal Government’s decisive action.
At a high-profile stakeholders’ interactive session, Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, formally conveyed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval for the reopening of the corridor.
The event drew an impressive lineup of dignitaries, including Kebbi State Governor Comrade Nasir Idris, the Honourable Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, former Governor Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, the Speaker of the Kebbi State House of Assembly, senior government officials, security agencies, traditional rulers, and representatives from neighbouring countries’ customs administrations. Exporters, transporters, and logistics stakeholders also joined, underscoring the border’s importance to regional commerce.
In his remarks, the Customs Comptroller-General stressed that the reopening would be anchored on strict security protocols, compliance measures, and ICT-driven interconnectivity with neighbouring customs services. This, he explained, would guarantee transparency, seamless trade, and safeguard national security.
NAGAFF Kebbi State Chapter described the move as a game-changer for non-oil exports, freight efficiency, and the revitalisation of border communities’ economies. The association pledged to work hand in hand with Customs, security agencies, and other stakeholders to uphold professionalism and best practices in freight forwarding and border operations.
Aliyu Bawa Gwandu, Assistant Secretary of NAGAFF Kebbi State Chapter, reaffirmed the group’s commitment to ensuring that members and operators strictly adhere to approved transit corridors, customs regulations, and security guidelines. “This is not just about reopening a border; it is about building sustainable trade, strengthening compliance, and driving prosperity for Kebbi and Nigeria at large,” he said.
The reopening of the Tsamiya border is being celebrated not only as a victory for trade but also as a symbol of Nigeria’s resolve to balance economic growth with national security.
