The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening regional trade facilitation, safeguarding transit cargo and enhancing cross-border security cooperation with neighbouring countries, particularly the Republic of Niger.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, made this known during a high-level bilateral meeting between the Nigeria Customs Service and the Niger Republic Customs Administration, led by its Director-General, Muhammadu Yaqouba.
The meeting, held at the Customs House in Maitama, Abuja, focused on improving cooperation on the movement of transit goods destined for Niger through Nigeria, enhancing information sharing, addressing security challenges along shared borders, reducing delays on key transit corridors and ensuring that legitimate trade contributes meaningfully to economic growth in both countries.
Speaking at the meeting, CGC Adeniyi congratulated the Director-General of Niger Republic Customs on his appointment, noting that both administrations share a long history of professional collaboration fostered through World Customs Organisation platforms and sustained bilateral engagements.
He explained that cooperation between the two Customs services is shaped not only by shared borders but also by international obligations, particularly Nigeria’s responsibilities under Articles 124 to 132 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which guarantee landlocked countries access to the sea.
The Comptroller-General acknowledged the unique operational challenges faced by landlocked countries, noting that reliance on neighbouring ports and infrastructure often increases transaction costs and affects competitiveness.
“The Nigeria Customs Service has remained committed to facilitating trade for our landlocked neighbours, including the Republic of Niger. This commitment will continue, irrespective of political differences, because trade facilitation, security and regional stability are closely interconnected,” he said.
On concerns surrounding transit bottlenecks, CGC Adeniyi disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, has approved the provision of safe corridors and guaranteed passage to ease the movement of trucks awaiting clearance.
He gave the assurance that transit cargo, particularly those from Apapa ports and Nigerian airports destined for neighbouring countries, would continue to be processed and moved within 48 hours, without compromising national security or economic interests.
The Comptroller-General also revealed that strict measures have been put in place to prevent diversion of transit cargo, warning that economic operators who violate transit regulations would face severe sanctions.
“Non-compliance by a few operators creates non-tariff barriers and undermines trust. We are determined to ensure compliance, streamline documentation and eliminate avoidable bottlenecks along major corridors such as Illela, Sokoto, Kamba and the Niger Republic, as well as routes linking Apapa ports and airports to neighbouring countries,” he stated.
He described the meeting as the beginning of a renewed phase of cooperation and expressed optimism that sustained follow-up actions would redefine operational processes, reduce costs, increase trade volumes and make the Nigeria–Niger transit corridor more attractive.
Earlier, the Director-General of the Niger Republic Customs Administration, Muhammadu Yaqouba, described the visit as a working engagement between two professional Customs services bound by shared responsibilities.
He thanked the Nigeria Customs Service for the warm reception accorded to him and his delegation, describing it as a reflection of the longstanding fraternity between both countries and their Customs institutions.
According to DG Yaqouba, the visit was prompted by key challenges, including the prolonged blockage of trucks transiting from the Republic of Benin to the Niger Republic, as well as prevailing security concerns across the region.
“We face common security challenges, particularly terrorism and banditry. Engagements like this provide an opportunity to find lasting solutions through cooperation and coordination,” he explained
DG Yaqouba disclosed that the Niger Republic has intensified efforts since 2024 to combat terrorism, including the launch of Operation Saran Kasa, a coordinated initiative involving all national security agencies, which has recorded notable successes.
He added that scanners have been deployed to inspect all goods entering the Niger Republic, emphasising the critical role of Customs administrations in combating terrorism, arms trafficking and cross-border criminal activities.
Also speaking at the meeting, the National Coordinator of the National Counter-Terrorism Centre, Office of the National Security Adviser, Major-General Garba Laka, congratulated the Niger Customs Director-General on his appointment and extended condolences to the Government and people of Niger over the recent terrorist attack near Niamey Airport.
He described the incident as tragic and reaffirmed the shared resolve of Nigeria and Niger to prevent a recurrence.
Major-General Laka stressed that Nigeria and Niger share deep historical, cultural and familial ties, particularly among border communities where people live and trade across national boundaries.
“Insecurity in any part of the Sahel affects all of us. Arms trafficking, drug smuggling and the concealment of ammunition in cargo vehicles remain major threats that require coordinated and sustained action,” he said.
He disclosed that the Government of Nigeria places high priority on Niger-related matters, including trade, energy supply and security, noting that requests from Niger, especially on petroleum products and gas, receive prompt attention at the highest level.
The National Counter-Terrorism Centre Coordinator called for the revival of bilateral security frameworks, including cross-border right-of-pursuit arrangements, and advocated joint Nigeria–Niger operations to effectively combat terrorism and organised crime.
He expressed confidence that the outcomes of the meeting would be translated into concrete actions that would enhance regional security, boost economic ties and strengthen cooperation between both nations.