The Federal Government has formally reopened the Nigeria–Niger Republic border through the Kamba corridor in Kebbi State, marking another major step toward restoring cross-border trade and regional economic cooperation.
The development comes just days after President Bola Tinubu approved the resumption of cross-border movement along the Nigeria–Benin Republic route via the Tsamiya corridor, a move aimed at revitalising regional trade, strengthening economic ties and easing the movement of legitimate goods and services across West Africa.
Speaking at the official reopening ceremony in Kamba, the Area Controller of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Kebbi Area Command, Mahmoud Ibrahim, said the Service was fully prepared to implement the President’s directive as conveyed by the Comptroller-General of Customs.
“We are here today to faithfully carry out the directive of Mr President through the Comptroller-General of Customs. Our officers and personnel are ready to ensure that legitimate trade and lawful commercial activities resume smoothly through this corridor,” Ibrahim said.
He added that the Customs Service would intensify monitoring and enforcement to ensure strict compliance with trade regulations, while curbing smuggling and other illegal activities along the reopened route.
Also speaking, the Controller of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone B, Aminu Suleiman, assured traders and stakeholders that the reopening would not compromise national security or economic interests.
“The reopening of the border does not mean a relaxation of the law. Rather, it calls for greater professionalism and vigilance to ensure transparency and security in cross-border trade,” Suleiman stated.
Earlier, the District Head of Kamba, Muhammad Shiko Kamba, expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for reopening the border, describing the move as timely and economically beneficial to border communities.
“This reopening is a major relief to our people. It will restore livelihoods, stimulate commerce, and bring prosperity not only to Kamba but to Kebbi State and Nigeria at large,” he said.
Representing Kebbi State Governor, Nasiru Idris, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Barrister Attahiru Maccido, described the reopening of the Tsamiya and Kamba corridors as a historic milestone for regional trade in West Africa.
“Today feels like a Sallah celebration. The reopening of these two major border routes is a huge economic boost and a clear signal of renewed hope for our people,” Maccido said.
However, he cautioned traders and security agencies to maintain transparency and accountability.
“While this reopening will boost economic activities and create employment opportunities, especially for our youths, all stakeholders must ensure that only lawful and transparent businesses are conducted now and in the future,” he added.
The reopening of the Nigeria–Niger border through the Kamba corridor is expected to enhance trade flows, improve livelihoods in border communities and strengthen Nigeria’s economic integration within the West African sub-region.
