President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to permit vans conveying transit items to Niger Republic to cross by way of 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 aimed toward easing regional commerce flows whereas sustaining Nigeria’s nationwide safety and {economic} pursuits.
It additionally seeks to resolve long-standing bottlenecks in cross-border logistics with out undermining regulatory oversight or border safety.
The Comptroller-Normal stated the presidential directive would considerably enhance the effectivity of transit cargo operations whereas strengthening monitoring mechanisms to stop abuse of the system.
The initiative is designed to facilitate the motion of transit cargo, significantly 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.
Adeniyi warned that {economic} operators who violate transit laws would face stiff sanctions, noting that non-compliance may create non-tariff limitations and erode belief between Nigeria and its neighbours.
He stated the NCS is focusing on a 48-hour clearance timeline for eligible transit cargo beneath the brand new association.
Nigeria’s resolution to calm down 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 purple alert throughout land borders.
That motion adopted the July 2023 navy coup in Niger Republic, which led to the overthrow and detention of President Mohamed Bazoum.
Nigeria, alongside different members of the {Economic} Neighborhood of West African States (ECOWAS), imposed sanctions on Niger, together with border closures, as a part of efforts to stress the junta.
Nonetheless, in 2024, Nigeria reopened its borders with the Niger Republic and lifted different sanctions.
President Tinubu introduced the choice in keeping with resolutions reached by ECOWAS leaders at a rare summit held on February 24, 2024, in Abuja.
Regardless of Nigeria’s coverage shift, relations between the 2 international locations stay fragile, with safety issues persevering with to affect commerce insurance policies.
These developments underscore the delicate safety and diplomatic atmosphere affecting commerce throughout the Sahel area.
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 state of affairs throughout its flight.
The plane was subsequently detained, elevating recent diplomatic issues.
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.
