The Presidency has confirmed that the reopening of the Kamba and Tsamiya border routes between Nigeria and Niger is intended to revive cross-border trade and strengthen regional cooperation.
In a statement issued on Saturday by the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, the move was described as “timely and strategic.” The President emphasized that the decision “reflects a balanced and pragmatic approach to governance that links economic inclusion, regional diplomacy, and national security.”
According to the statement, northern communities along the Nigeria–Niger frontier are already benefiting, with commercial activities—particularly in automobile, transport, and logistics sectors—resuming fully. The reopening “has restored economic life to communities that rely heavily on cross-border trade, agriculture, transportation, and small-scale commerce,” it added.
The statement also highlighted that families in these areas are seeing renewed income opportunities, reopened markets, and a return to legitimate economic activities following months of restrictions. Agricultural products are now moving through recognized routes, and traders, transport unions, artisans, and logistics operators have resumed operations along the border.
On diplomacy, the Presidency noted that the reopening has strengthened people-to-people ties and mutual trust between Nigeria and Niger, underscoring the deep cultural, historical, and familial bonds shared by border communities.
From a security perspective, the President stressed that “functional and regulated borders offer better oversight, intelligence coordination, and cooperation than prolonged closures, which often push activities into informal channels.” The reopening is expected to improve monitoring, enhance engagement with neighboring authorities, and involve local communities in maintaining peace along the corridors.
The statement also praised collaboration between Nigeria, the Niger Republic, and the Republic of Benin. The Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Customs Service, Dr. Bashir Adeniyi, confirmed that both countries are committed to adhering to international trade protocols. Kebbi State authorities, border communities, and security agencies were consulted on the benefits, technical procedures, and new technologies to monitor border routes effectively.
PUNCH Online reports that the Federal Government formally reopened the Kamba corridor in Kebbi State on Monday, shortly after approving the resumption of cross-border movement via the Tsamiya corridor between Nigeria and Benin. These moves aim to revive regional trade, strengthen economic ties, and facilitate the lawful movement of goods and services across West Africa.
