Tinubu directs Customs to permit transit vehicles to Niger Republic
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to permit vehicles conveying transit items to Niger Republic to move via Benin Republic and Kebbi State.
The directive was disclosed by the Comptroller-Common 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 {economic} pursuits.
It additionally seeks to resolve long-standing bottlenecks in cross-border logistics with out undermining regulatory oversight or border safety.
The Comptroller-Common stated 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, significantly items originating from Apapa seaports and Nigerian airports and destined for neighbouring nations, stressing that the NCS would depend on technology-driven options to make sure transparency and accountability.
Adeniyi warned that {economic} operators who violate transit rules would face stiff sanctions, noting that non-compliance may create non-tariff obstacles and erode belief between Nigeria and its neighbours.
He stated the NCS is concentrating on a 48-hour clearance timeline for eligible transit cargo below the brand new association.
Nigeria’s choice to loosen up transit cargo restrictions marks a reversal of a harder 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 {Economic} Group of West African States (ECOWAS), imposed sanctions on Niger, together with border closures, as a part of efforts to stress 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.
Regardless of Nigeria’s coverage shift, relations between the 2 nations stay fragile, with safety considerations 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 pressured 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 recent diplomatic considerations.
In April 2025, the AES imposed a 0.5 per cent import responsibility on items from ECOWAS member states, additional straining relations and complicating regional commerce dynamics.