Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) officials have inspected transit operations along the Tsamiya–Segbana–Kamba corridor in Kebbi State, following the reopening of the border for international trade.

The inspection was led on Monday by the Customs Area Controller for Kebbi Command, Comptroller Mahmoud Matawalle Ibrahim, alongside Comptroller Aminu Sule of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone B.

It was aimed at ensuring that only legitimate transit goods move through the route, without diversion into Nigeria’s local markets.

Why it matters

The Tsamiya–Segbana corridor links Nigeria to Benin and Niger Republics, serving as a strategic route for regional trade under ECOWAS transit arrangements.

Authorities say poor monitoring in the past allowed smuggling and diversion of goods, costing governments revenue and undermining fair trade.

The border was reopened following approval by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, as part of wider efforts to balance trade facilitation with border security.

What customs officials are saying

Addressing stakeholders during the inspection, Comptroller Matawalle said the exercise was designed to enforce approved transit procedures across Nigeria’s international borders.

“The purpose of this assignment is to ensure strict compliance with approved procedures governing the transit of legitimate goods across the international borders of Benin and Niger Republics through Kebbi State,” he said.

He stressed that transit trucks must not be diverted from their approved destinations for local consumption.

The comptroller also appealed to traditional rulers and host communities to work with customs officers to ensure smooth truck movement and a peaceful operational environment.

Security and enforcement assurances

Comptroller Aminu Sule, who represents the Federal Operations Unit, assured stakeholders of enforcement support along the corridor.

He said the Service would provide “the necessary assistance to facilitate trade across international borders, in line with its mandate.”

The FOU is responsible for intercepting smuggled goods and enforcing compliance beyond border posts.

Regional and diplomatic reactions

Officials from neighbouring countries welcomed the reopening of the corridor and Nigeria’s renewed engagement.

Customs representatives from Benin and Niger Republics expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Kebbi State Government, and the Comptroller-General of Customs for approving the transit arrangement.

They said the decision had created space for dialogue and improved regional cooperation.

Community and stakeholder response

The District Head of Kamba, Alhaji Mamuda Zarumai (Sarkin Shikon Kamba), described the initiative as beneficial to both local communities and the wider economy.

He pledged to caution residents to cooperate fully with customs officials.

He noted that the initiative was “for the overall benefit of Nigerians.”

Speaking for traders and transport operators, Alhaji Idi Bagudo, Chairman of Stakeholders in Kebbi State, promised full compliance with transit regulations.

He assured authorities that stakeholders would not condone any diversion of trucks from their intended destinations in the Niger Republic.

What happened next

The inspection ended with customs officers escorting transit trucks from Kamba across the border to Tungan Kado in the Niger Republic.

Officials say similar monitoring exercises will continue to ensure the corridor remains secure, transparent, and economically viable.

Nigeria loses billions of naira each year to congestion, paperwork delays, and inefficiencies at its ports—costs that are ultimately passed on to businesses and consumers.

Reducing cargo dwell time is seen as critical to lowering import costs, boosting trade competitiveness, and improving the ease of doing business.

What’s happening

The Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), working with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), has concluded a three-day stakeholder engagement aimed at reducing cargo dwell time to seven days.

The meeting, held at the Lagos Port Complex in Apapa, brought together regulators and private sector operators under the Business Environment Enhancement Programme Accelerator (BEEPA).

It followed a “shadowing” exercise in which officials observed vessel berthing and cargo clearance processes at both Tincan Island Port and Lagos Port Complex.

Government’s position

Speaking at the session, PEBEC Director General Zahrah Mustapha said the focus was shifting from identifying problems to implementing solutions.

“Nigeria loses significantly every day due to operational inefficiencies,” Mustapha stated.

“These are not just numbers; they represent missed opportunities, jobs not created, and delayed economic growth. This reform is about resilience and unlocking the nation’s economic potential.”

She said the reform effort brings together regulators and private sector players to ensure transparency and accountability.

According to PEBEC, the goal is to reduce cargo dwell time while also improving vessel turnaround time at Nigerian ports.

NPA response and reforms

Earlier, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Abubakar Dantsoho, reaffirmed the agency’s support for PEBEC’s reform agenda.

He said the NPA is working with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) to deploy a Port Community System (PCS).

The system is expected to serve as the digital backbone for Nigeria’s National Single Window, helping to eliminate manual processes and align port operations across agencies.

The NPA says this digital shift will reduce bottlenecks and speed up cargo processing.

Track record

The Ports Authority noted that it achieved a 100% success rate in implementing PEBEC reforms.

In 2025, the NPA ranked fifth among government agencies assessed, recording an 84.2% compliance score.

Officials say this performance provides a foundation for deeper reforms at the ports.

Industry and public impact

For importers and exporters, faster cargo clearance could mean lower storage costs, fewer delays, and more predictable supply chains.

What’s next

PEBEC and the NPA say the recommendations from the engagement will be rolled out in the coming months.

They aim to close gaps identified during the port inspections and create a more efficient maritime environment to support seamless trade.

Adron Group has congratulated Ogun State and Governor Dapo Abiodun on the state’s 50th anniversary, describing the milestone as a celebration of progress, resilience, and shared achievements.

In a statement signed by its Board, management, and staff, the company praised the leadership of Governor Dapo Abiodun and the people of Ogun State for sustaining a legacy of development over five decades.

“Ogun State has remained a beacon of progress, intellectual excellence, and enterprise,” the company said.

The firm noted that since its creation, the state, popularly known as the Gateway State, has contributed significantly to Nigeria’s socio-economic development through education, industry, and cultural heritage.

Industry perspective: Business and housing growth

Adron Group, a major player in Nigeria’s real estate sector, said its own growth is closely linked to Ogun State’s business-friendly environment.

“Ogun State has been more than a host—it has been a strategic partner and enabler,” the statement said.

According to the company, the state’s investor-friendly policies, strategic location, and governance structure have supported its mission of delivering accessible and sustainable housing solutions to Nigerians.

Government and development focus

Adron Group also commended the current administration for prioritising infrastructure development, economic expansion, and inclusive governance.

“This Golden Jubilee is a celebration of foresight, sacrifice, and collective achievement,” the company said, adding that the state’s founding fathers, past leaders, and citizens laid a strong foundation for today’s progress.

The firm expressed optimism that the coming years would bring increased opportunities and prosperity for residents and investors alike.

What’s next for Ogun State?

As Ogun enters its next phase, experts say sustained investment in infrastructure, housing, and human capital will be critical to maintaining momentum.

For businesses like Adron Group, the expectation is that continued collaboration between the public and private sectors will drive long-term growth and job creation.