Nigeria’s business community has said the reopening of Tsamiya International Border is expected to give a significant boost to trade and economic growth in the region.
The reopening is expected to promote economic growth, enhance competitiveness, and protect national interests through the use of technology-driven border operations.
Speaking about the development, the chairman of the Organised Private Sector of Nigeria (OPSN), Engr. Jani Ibrahim, noted that the reopening of the border is accompanied by strengthened compliance measures, the deployment of modern cargo monitoring technology, improved transit controls, and firm directives against smuggling and regulatory abuse.
Ibrahim, who is also the president of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), said that the emphasis on faster cargo clearance timelines and coordinated inter-agency oversight reflects a balanced and pragmatic approach that supports trade facilitation while safeguarding national security and revenue interests.
LEADERSHIP reports that President Bola Tinubu had directed the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to reopen the Tsamiya International Border in Kebbi State, linking Nigeria with the Republic of Benin.
However, Ibrahim stated that the presidential directive, announced during the official visit of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, to the Nigeria Customs Service Area Command in Birnin Kebbi, represented a timely and forward-looking policy decision aimed at strengthening cross-border trade, deepening regional economic cooperation, and revitalising legitimate economic activities along the corridor.
According to him, as a leading advocate for cross-border trade enhancement and regional integration, NACCIMA recognised the far-reaching developmental impact that functional and well-regulated border posts have on border community livelihoods, agricultural and commodity value chains, Small and Medium-Scale Enterprises (SMEs) and informal sector traders, regional food security, bilateral and ECOWAS trade integration, and social and cultural exchange.
He added,“The reopening of the Samiya International Border sends a strong policy signal that regulated, technology-driven border operations can simultaneously promote economic growth, enhance competitiveness, and protect national interests.
“NACCIMA reaffirms its commitment to partnering with government agencies and stakeholders to ensure that this policy direction translates into sustainable trade expansion, inclusive growth, and strengthened regional cooperation.”
Also, the director/CEO of Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE), Dr Muda Yusuf, stated that the reopening highlights the realisation that, as neighbours, we cannot completely isolate ourselves from one another.”
Yusuf stated further that the decision to re-open the border is positive, and will gradually move towards resolving the political situation with Niger.”
“This is a welcome development and a win-win situation for both countries. It highlights the realisation that, as neighbours, we cannot completely isolate ourselves from one another. We are coming to understand that, despite our political differences, we still need each other, particularly in terms of economic and business relationships. Therefore, the decision that has been made is positive, and I believe we will gradually move towards resolving the political differences we have, especially with Niger.”
“This development will also facilitate trade. When formal trade is made impossible, informal and illegal trade often takes over. This is a common occurrence, given the porous borders we share with Niger,” he noted.
He continued, “As long as we hinder official trade, individuals will resort to informal channels. Currently, we estimate that up to 50 per cent of our domestic areas have resorted to illegal trade, while only about 30 per cent is conducted legally, which is detrimental to our security.”
He pointed out that “this situation is beneficial for the economies of both countries. It will positively impact our maritime sector, as we expect an increase in transit cargo passing through our ports to Niger, resulting in economic activities for our investors in the maritime industry.
“Additionally, this development will benefit Nigerians in border communities, many of whom are engaged in farming and other economic activities, providing them with opportunities to export goods to Niger. Improving trade relations can enhance our security, as better trade connections make it easier to monitor the flow of goods in and out of Niger through proper checkpoints.”
