President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to permit vans conveying transit items to Niger Republic to go by Benin Republic and Kebbi State.
The directive was disclosed by the Comptroller-Normal of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, throughout a courtesy go to to Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, in Birnin Kebbi on Saturday.
The transfer is geared toward easing regional commerce flows whereas sustaining Nigeria’s nationwide safety and financial pursuits.
It additionally seeks to resolve long-standing bottlenecks in cross-border logistics with out undermining regulatory oversight or border safety.
What they’re saying
The Comptroller-Normal mentioned the presidential directive would considerably enhance the effectivity of transit cargo operations whereas strengthening monitoring mechanisms to forestall abuse of the system.
The initiative is designed to facilitate the motion of transit cargo, notably items originating from Apapa seaports and Nigerian airports and destined for neighbouring international locations, stressing that the NCS would depend on technology-driven options to make sure transparency and accountability.
- “President Tinubu has given us the mandate to permit vans to transit to Niger Republic by Benin Republic and Kebbi,” Adeniyi mentioned.
- “We’re deploying trendy expertise to make sure items meant for particular locations aren’t diverted,” he added.
Adeniyi warned that financial operators who violate transit rules would face stiff sanctions, noting that non-compliance might create non-tariff boundaries and erode belief between Nigeria and its neighbours.
He mentioned the NCS is concentrating on a 48-hour clearance timeline for eligible transit cargo underneath the brand new association.
Backstory
Nigeria’s determination to loosen up transit cargo restrictions marks a reversal of a more durable stance adopted in recent times.
In 2023, the Federal Authorities banned the motion of transit cargo to the Niger Republic and positioned Nigeria Customs officers on crimson alert throughout land borders.
That motion adopted the July 2023 army coup in Niger Republic, which led to the overthrow and detention of President Mohamed Bazoum.
Nigeria, alongside different members of the Financial Group of West African States (ECOWAS), imposed sanctions on Niger, together with border closures, as a part of efforts to strain the junta.
Nevertheless, in 2024, Nigeria reopened its borders with the Niger Republic and lifted different sanctions.
President Tinubu introduced the choice consistent with resolutions reached by ECOWAS leaders at a unprecedented summit held on February 24, 2024, in Abuja.
- “At this time, I’ve directed the opening of Nigeria’s land and air borders with the Republic of Niger and the lifting of different sanctions in opposition to Niger Republic with rapid impact,” Tinubu mentioned on the time, citing ECOWAS’ settlement to carry financial sanctions in opposition to Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea.
Extra insights
Regardless of Nigeria’s coverage shift, relations between the 2 international locations stay fragile, with safety considerations persevering with to affect commerce insurance policies.
- In December 2025, the Republic introduced new restrictions on items originating from Nigeria, citing heightened safety dangers.
- Nigerien authorities directed that every one items, particularly these labeled as “miscellaneous items,” be offloaded and totally inspected at entry factors earlier than continuing additional into the nation.
- The announcement got here shortly after Burkina Faso detained 11 Nigerian army officers and seized a Nigerian Air Drive cargo airplane following an unauthorised entry into its airspace throughout an emergency touchdown.
These developments underscore the delicate safety and diplomatic surroundings affecting commerce throughout the Sahel area.
What you need to know
In December 2025, the Confederation of Sahel States (AES) disclosed {that a} Nigerian C-130 plane was compelled to land in Bobo Djoulasso on December 8, 2025, following what was described as an emergency scenario throughout its flight.
The plane was subsequently detained, elevating contemporary diplomatic considerations.
- The AES, made up of Burkina Faso, Mali, and the Niger Republic, formally emerged after the three international locations withdrew from ECOWAS in January 2025.
- Their army governments accused ECOWAS of failing to assist their struggle in opposition to terrorism and of imposing sanctions that harmed their populations.
- Though ECOWAS later lifted the sanctions and launched transitional measures similar to duty-free commerce, visa-free motion, and residence rights, tensions have continued.
In April 2025, the AES imposed a 0.5 per cent import obligation on items from ECOWAS member states, additional straining relations and complicating regional commerce dynamics.
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