48-hour cargo clearance, tighter security, smoother cross-border trade
Nigeria’s trade routes just got a major boost as the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Kebbi State Government team up to roll out President Bola Tinubu’s approved transit corridor for goods heading to Niger Republic via Benin.
The Customs boss, Bashir Adewale-Adeniyi, announced the partnership during a visit to Governor Nasir Idris in Birnin Kebbi, saying the new framework will cut bottlenecks, protect national security, and guarantee cargo clearance within 48 hours using modern tracking technology.
“No diversion, no shortcuts,” Adewale-Adeniyi warned, stressing that operators who break transit rules will face stiff sanctions. According to him, the goal is fast, transparent trade that doesn’t undermine trust between Nigeria and its neighbours.
He described Kebbi as a strategic security hub, noting its historic influence across Nigeria, Benin and Niger, and praised the state’s strong inter-agency coordination in tackling smuggling, arms trafficking and drug networks.
Under the new system, cargo from Apapa ports and Nigerian airports bound for neighbouring countries will move swiftly, while trucks will pay a token fee to maintain key transit infrastructure like the Tsamiya Corridor. Major routes, including Illela–Sokoto–Kamba–Niger, will also be streamlined.
Governor Nasir Idris welcomed the initiative, assuring full state support. “When Mr President speaks, he acts. Kebbi is ready,” he said, pledging better roads, infrastructure and logistics to keep the corridor running smoothly.
The move signals Nigeria’s push to open up regional trade—without dropping its guard on security.
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