Nigeria open Kebbi border connecting to Benin Republic...

President Bola Tinubu has ordered the immediate reopening of the Samiya International Border in Kebbi State, which connects Nigeria with the Republic of Benin.

The directive 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.

Addressing officers and personnel of the command, Adeniyi warned them against collaborating with smugglers or any illegal groups to undermine the Federal Government’s directive.

He stressed that any action capable of weakening the policy would not be tolerated.

He explained that the reopening of the border is intended to ease the movement of goods, strengthen security, and ensure that cargo clearance is completed within 48 hours.

According to him, the Customs Service is introducing advanced technology to track goods and prevent them from being diverted from their approved destinations.

CBI News reports that the Comptroller-General further disclosed that President Tinubu has approved the movement of trucks through the Benin Republic and Kebbi State to the Niger Republic, noting that modern monitoring systems will enhance oversight of transit activities and reduce abuse of the process.

Adeniyi also cautioned transporters and traders to strictly comply with transit regulations, warning that violators would face severe penalties.

He added that failure to adhere to the rules could disrupt trade activities and strain cooperation between neighbouring countries.

The Customs boss received a warm reception from officers of the Kebbi Area Command.

He was accompanied by senior officials of the Benin Republic Customs Service, led by Imura Idirisou, alongside other members of the delegation.