President Bola Tinubu has ordered the immediate reopening of the Samiya International Border in Kebbi State, which links Nigeria with the Republic of Benin.
The order was made public on February 7, 2026, in Birnin Kebbi during a one-day official visit by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, to the Nigeria Customs Service Area Command in the state capital.
While addressing officers and personnel of the command, Adeniyi cautioned them against working with smugglers or any illegal groups to frustrate the Federal Government’s directive.
He warned that any action that weakens the policy would not be tolerated.
The Customs boss further explained that the reopening of the border is aimed at easing the movement of goods, improving security, and ensuring that cargo is cleared within 48 hours.
He added that advanced technology is being introduced to track goods and stop them from being diverted from their approved destinations.
Adeniyi further stated that President Tinubu has approved the movement of trucks through the Benin Republic and Kebbi State to the Niger Republic.
According to him, the use of modern systems will make it easier to monitor transit activities and reduce abuse of the process.
He also warned transporters and traders to follow transit rules strictly, noting that anyone who breaks the regulations will face serious penalties.
Adeniyi added that failure to comply could create trade problems and damage cooperation between neighbouring countries.
The Customs boss received a warm welcome from officers of the Kebbi Area Command.
He was accompanied by senior officials of the Benin Republic Customs Service, led by Imura Idirisou, as well as other members of the delegation.
Recall that in 2019, late President Muhammadu Buhari said the partial closure of Nigeria’s border with Benin Republic was due to the massive smuggling activities, especially of rice, taking place on that corridor.
