By Benson Daniel
The Nigeria Customs Service and its Nigerien counterpart are working to strengthen cooperation along the Kamba Tungan Gyado border corridor as both countries seek to expand legitimate cross border trade, increase revenue and improve economic activity in communities around the frontier.
The development followed an engagement between officials of the Kebbi Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service and a delegation from the Nigerien Customs, Douanes du Niger, which visited the command to discuss challenges affecting trade along the corridor.
The meeting brought together the Customs Area Controller of the Kebbi Area Command, Comptroller Mahmoud Matawalle Ibrahim, Comptroller Abdoulaye Vincent of Douanes du Dosso in Niger Republic and other stakeholders from the border communities.
Vincent called for closer cooperation between the two Customs administrations, particularly in facilitating legitimate commercial activities through Kamba.
He said insecurity along routes through Burkina Faso and Togo, as well as the prevailing diplomatic situation involving Benin Republic, had disrupted established trade routes and created additional difficulties for traders and communities that depend on cross border commerce.
He consequently appealed for increased legitimate exports through the Kamba corridor, arguing that greater commercial activity would improve government revenue while easing economic pressure on communities on both sides of the border.
The Nigeria Customs Service welcomed the proposal, with Ibrahim reaffirming the Kebbi Area Command’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with its Nigerien counterpart.
The Customs controller said the command would intensify sensitisation of traders and other stakeholders on customs procedures and encourage greater use of the Kamba corridor for legitimate trade.
According to him, increased commercial activity through the route could generate additional revenue, create jobs and improve livelihoods for residents of border communities.
He also announced plans to visit the Nigerien Customs Command in Dosso as part of efforts to deepen bilateral engagement and resolve operational issues affecting the movement of legitimate goods.
The renewed focus on Kamba comes amid changes in regional trade routes and continuing efforts to restore commerce across Nigeria’s northwestern borders.
The corridor has gained renewed importance for Niger because of disruptions affecting some of the routes traditionally used to move goods into the landlocked country. The Kamba axis provides an alternative channel for traders seeking to move legitimate cargo through the region.
For Nigeria, greater activity along the corridor could provide additional opportunities for revenue generation while supporting businesses involved in transportation, logistics, warehousing and trade.
The benefits could also extend to communities around the border, where economic activity is closely linked to the movement of people and goods.
However, increased trade will require effective customs procedures, adequate security and closer coordination among agencies operating along the corridor.
The Customs administrations are therefore expected to continue discussions aimed at removing avoidable bottlenecks while ensuring that legitimate trade is separated from smuggling and other illicit activities.
Local stakeholders have welcomed the renewed attention to the corridor. The Sarkin Shikon Kamba, Mamuda Zarumai, expressed appreciation for the efforts to create a more conducive environment for legitimate business and improve the economic prospects of residents.
The development underscores the importance of functional border corridors to regional commerce, particularly for landlocked countries such as Niger that depend heavily on neighbouring states for access to international markets.
With stronger cooperation between the two Customs administrations, officials believe the Kamba Tungan Gyado route can play a larger role in facilitating legitimate trade and strengthening economic ties between Nigeria and Niger.
The immediate challenge will be to translate the renewed bilateral commitment into faster clearance procedures, improved security and a more predictable trading environment for businesses using the corridor.
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