President Bola Tinubu has directed the immediate reopening of the Samiya International Border in Kebbi State, a major trade route linking Nigeria with the Republic of Benin, as part of efforts to improve cross-border trade, strengthen security, and speed up cargo movement.
The directive was announced on February 7, 2026, in Birnin Kebbi during a one-day working visit by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, to the Nigeria Customs Service Area Command in the state.
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Addressing customs officers and personnel, Adeniyi made it clear that the Federal Government’s decision must be fully respected and implemented without compromise.
“Any officer found collaborating with smugglers or illegal groups to undermine this directive will face strict consequences,” he warned.
The Customs boss stressed that the reopening of the Samiya border is designed to ease the movement of legitimate goods, improve border security, and ensure that cargo clearance does not exceed 48 hours.
He added that the Nigeria Customs Service remains committed to enforcing government policies while protecting national economic interests and maintaining law and order along border communities.
According to Adeniyi, the success of the policy depends largely on the discipline and professionalism of officers deployed to the border.
