By Peace Udugba
Customs authorities from Nigeria and Niger Republic have agreed to strengthen collaboration and facilitate legitimate trade along the Kamba–Tungan Gyado border corridor.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Kebbi Area Command, has engaged the Nigerien Customs Service, Douanes du Niger, on measures to improve cross-border trade, increase revenue generation and ease economic hardship among communities along the Kamba–Tungan Gyado border corridor.
The engagement was held on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at the Kebbi Area Command Headquarters, where both sides discussed emerging challenges affecting legitimate trade and explored ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation.
The meeting was attended by the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Kebbi Area Command, Comptroller Mahmoud Matawalle Ibrahim; Comptroller, Douanes du Dosso, Niger Republic, Abdoulaye Vincent; Chairman, Dendi Ganda, Sarkin Shikon Kamba, Mamuda Zarumai; Secretary-General, SNAT Gaya, Abubakar Inusa, as well as other stakeholders.
Speaking during the engagement, Comptroller Abdoulaye Vincent appreciated the Kebbi Customs Command for hosting the delegation and called for stronger cooperation between the Nigerian and Nigerien Customs authorities.
He specifically advocated increased trade activities through the Kamba corridor, noting that insecurity along the Burkina Faso and Togo routes, coupled with the prevailing diplomatic situation with the Republic of Benin, had disrupted established trade routes.
According to him, promoting legitimate exports through Kamba would not only increase government revenue but also provide economic relief to communities along the corridor and beyond.
Responding, Comptroller Mahmoud Matawalle Ibrahim welcomed the initiative and reaffirmed the Kebbi Area Command’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with its Nigerien counterpart and facilitating legitimate cross-border trade.
He said the Command would intensify sensitisation of traders and other stakeholders on Customs procedures while encouraging increased use of the Kamba corridor.
The CAC noted that increased legitimate trade would contribute to revenue generation, create employment opportunities and improve the livelihoods of people living in border communities.
He also disclosed plans to visit the Nigerien Customs Command in Dosso to deepen bilateral cooperation and further explore opportunities for trade facilitation.
In his remarks, the Sarkin Shikon Kamba, Mamuda Zarumai, expressed appreciation to the Kebbi Customs Area Controller for creating an enabling environment for stakeholders to conduct legitimate business.
He commended the CAC for demonstrating concern for the welfare and economic wellbeing of the people of Kamba and offered prayers for the success of the collaboration between the two Customs administrations.
The engagement is expected to strengthen cross-border cooperation, encourage legitimate commerce and improve economic activities along the Kamba–Tungan Gyado border corridor.
