President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the immediate reopening of the Samiya International Border in Kebbi State, which links Nigeria with the Republic of Benin.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, announced the presidential directive on Saturday during a one-day official visit to the Nigeria Customs Service Area Command in Birnin Kebbi.
Addressing officers and personnel, Adeniyi cautioned against any collaboration with smugglers or illegal groups to undermine the Federal Government’s policy.
He warned that any action weakening the directive would not be tolerated.
Adeniyi explained that the reopening aims to:
– Facilitate smoother movement of goods
– Enhance security along the corridor
– Ensure cargo clearance within 48 hours
He added that advanced technology is being deployed to track goods and prevent diversion from approved destinations.
President Tinubu has also approved the movement of trucks through Benin Republic and Kebbi State to Niger Republic, with modern systems introduced to monitor transit activities and curb abuse.
Adeniyi urged transporters and traders to strictly comply with transit rules, stressing that violations would attract severe penalties and could damage trade relations with neighbouring countries.
The Customs boss was warmly received by officers of the Kebbi Area Command and was accompanied by senior officials of the Benin Republic Customs Service, led by Imura Idirisou, and other delegation members.
The decision reverses aspects of the partial border closure initiated in 2019 under former President Muhammadu Buhari, primarily to curb massive rice smuggling through the corridor.
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