Sani Dutsinma
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has entered into a strategic partnership with the Kebbi State Government to implement President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approved transit corridor for goods destined for the Niger Republic through the Benin Republic.
Governor Nasir Idris gave the assurance while receiving the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale-Adeniyi, during a courtesy visit to Kebbi State, stressing the state’s readiness to collaborate with the Federal Government to ensure smooth and effective operation of the corridor.
Governor Idris commended the leadership style of the Comptroller-General and expressed appreciation to the delegation from the Benin Republic for their cooperation, describing the initiative as critical to trade facilitation and regional economic integration.
Earlier, Comptroller-General Adewale-Adeniyi explained that the transit corridor initiative is designed to address bottlenecks in cargo movement, safeguard national security, and guarantee a 48-hour clearance window for transit goods through the deployment of cutting-edge technology to prevent diversion.
He warned that economic operators who violate transit regulations would face stiff sanctions, noting that non-compliance could create non-tariff barriers and undermine trust among neighbouring countries.
The Customs boss, who received a rousing welcome from Governor Idris and two former governors despite giving just 24 hours’ notice of his visit, commended Kebbi State for its spirit of brotherhood and its strategic importance in Nigeria’s security architecture.
Adewale-Adeniyi further explained that the bilateral engagement aims to strengthen cooperation in the movement of transit goods, enhance information sharing, address border security challenges, and ensure that legitimate trade contributes optimally to economic growth.
He disclosed that cargoes originating from Apapa Ports and Nigerian airports and destined for neighbouring countries would henceforth be processed and moved within 48 hours, without compromising Nigeria’s national security or economic interests.