By Odita Sunday
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Kebbi Area Command, and the Nigerien Customs have agreed to strengthen cooperation and facilitate legitimate cross-border trade through the Kamba–Tungan Gyado corridor, amid disruptions along other regional trade routes.
The agreement was reached on Thursday, August 27, 2026, when a delegation of the Douanes du Niger, led by the Comptroller, Douanes du Dosso, Abdoulaye Vincent, visited the Kebbi Area Command headquarters to discuss challenges affecting trade and the need to ease economic hardship among border communities.
Vincent said insecurity along the Burkina Faso and Togo routes, coupled with the prevailing diplomatic situation involving Benin Republic, had disrupted trading activities, making the Kamba corridor increasingly important for legitimate commerce.
He called for stronger collaboration between the Nigerian and Nigerien Customs authorities to encourage increased exports through Kamba, saying this would boost government revenue and provide economic relief to communities on both sides of the border.
“We appeal for stronger collaboration between Nigerian and Nigerien Customs, particularly in facilitating legitimate trade through the Kamba corridor,” Vincent said.
Responding, the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Kebbi Area Command, Comptroller Mahmoud Matawalle Ibrahim, assured the Nigerien delegation of the command’s readiness to deepen bilateral cooperation and remove unnecessary obstacles to legitimate cross-border trade.
Ibrahim said the command would intensify sensitisation of traders and other stakeholders on Customs procedures while encouraging greater use of the Kamba corridor.
According to him, increased legitimate trade would not only enhance government revenue but also create jobs and improve the livelihoods of people living in border communities.
He said, “Our commitment is to strengthen cooperation with Nigerien Customs and facilitate legitimate cross-border trade. We will continue to sensitise stakeholders on Customs procedures and encourage greater use of the Kamba corridor.”
The CAC also announced plans to visit the Nigerien Customs Command in Dosso to further strengthen bilateral relations and explore additional measures to improve trade facilitation along the corridor.
The meeting was attended by the Chairman, Dendi Ganda, Sarkin Shikon Kamba, Mamuda Zarumai; Secretary-General, SNAT Gaya, Abubakar Inusa; and other stakeholders.
In his remarks, Zarumai commended the Kebbi Customs Area Command for providing an enabling environment for legitimate businesses and demonstrating concern for the welfare and economic wellbeing of residents of Kamba.
He expressed optimism that stronger cooperation between the two Customs administrations would translate into improved trade opportunities and greater economic benefits for border communities.
About the Author
