In a major step to secure the Sahel region and boost regional trade, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Niger Republic Customs Administration agreed to deepen cross-border cooperation. The move targets faster transit of goods, safer borders, and stronger efforts against terrorism and banditry.
The announcement came during a high-level meeting at the Customs House, Maitama, Abuja, led by Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, and Director-General of Niger Republic Customs, Muhammadu Yaqouba.
Adeniyi said Nigeria will continue supporting Niger, a landlocked neighbour, to ensure smooth trade and security along shared borders.
“Trade, security, and regional stability are connected. We will keep facilitating trade for our landlocked neighbours, regardless of political differences,” Adeniyi said.
He also pointed out Nigeria’s obligations under international law to guarantee landlocked countries access to the sea.
Adeniyi revealed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved safe corridors for transit cargo. Trucks from Apapa ports and Nigerian airports moving to Niger will now clear within 48 hours.
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He warned that operators who violate transit rules will face sanctions.
“Non-compliance creates barriers and reduces trust. We will remove bottlenecks along key routes, including Illela–Sokoto–Kamba–Niger Republic,” Adeniyi said.
Director-General of the Niger Republic Customs Administration, Muhammadu Yaqouba, described the visit as a working session to tackle delays and security challenges. He highlighted Operation Saran Kasa, launched in 2024, which uses scanners and coordinated security measures to fight terrorism, arms trafficking, and smuggling.
“Terrorism and banditry affect both our countries. Cooperation gives us a chance to find lasting solutions,” Yaqouba said.
Joint Security and Counter-Terrorism
Major-General Garba Laka, National Coordinator of Nigeria’s Counter-Terrorism Centre, extended condolences to Niger over a recent attack near Niamey Airport. He stressed that insecurity anywhere in the Sahel affects all, citing arms trafficking, drug smuggling, and hidden ammunition in cargo as ongoing threats.
“Nigeria and Niger share more than borders. We are one people with strong historical and cultural ties. Joint operations and coordination are essential to protect our citizens,” Laka said.
Officials agreed to follow up on their commitments, aiming to reduce trade delays, secure cargo, and strengthen inter-agency cooperation. Both administrations expressed confidence that the partnership will deliver tangible outcomes, including faster trade, safer borders, and a secure environment for legitimate commerce across the Sahel.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
