Nigeria, Niger Customs seek stronger trade ties through Kamba border corridor
By Onu Okorie

Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Kebbi Area Command, and the Nigerien Customs Service have opened talks on strengthening cross-border trade through the Kamba–Tungan Gyado border corridor to facilitate legitimate commerce, boost revenue and improve the economic wellbeing of communities on both sides of the border.
The engagement, held on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at the Kebbi Area Command Headquarters, brought together Customs officials and key stakeholders to deliberate on emerging issues affecting trade along the strategic border corridor.
The meeting was attended by the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Kebbi Area Command, Comptroller Mahmoud Matawalle Ibrahim; the Comptroller of Douanes du Dosso in the Niger Republic, Abdoulaye Vincent; the Chairman of Dendi Ganda, Sarkin Shikon Kamba Mamuda Zarumai; Secretary-General of SNAT Gaya, Abubakar Inusa, and other stakeholders.
Speaking during the engagement, Vincent commended the Kebbi Area Command for hosting the Nigerien delegation and called for closer collaboration between the Customs administrations of both countries to enhance trade through the Kamba corridor.
He noted that insecurity along trade routes through Burkina Faso and Togo, as well as the prevailing diplomatic situation with the Benin Republic, had disrupted the movement of goods.
The Nigerien Customs chief therefore appealed for increased legitimate exports through the Kamba corridor, saying improved trade activities would boost revenue and help ease economic hardship in communities along the border and beyond.
Responding, Ibrahim welcomed the initiative and reaffirmed the commitment of the Kebbi Area Command to deepening cooperation with Nigerien Customs and facilitating legitimate cross-border trade.
He said the Command would intensify sensitisation of traders and other stakeholders on Customs procedures while encouraging greater use of the Kamba corridor for legitimate commercial activities.
According to the CAC, increased trade through the border corridor would not only improve revenue generation but also create employment opportunities and enhance the livelihoods of residents in border communities.
Ibrahim also announced plans to visit the Nigerien Customs Command in Dosso as part of efforts to further strengthen bilateral cooperation and improve trade facilitation between the two neighbouring countries.
The meeting ended with commendation from the Sarkin Shikon Kamba, Mamuda Zarumai, who thanked the Customs Area Controller for providing an enabling environment for stakeholders to conduct legitimate business.
Zarumai also praised the CAC for demonstrating concern for the welfare and economic wellbeing of the people of Kamba and offered prayers for the success of the renewed collaboration between the Nigerian and Nigerien Customs administrations.
The engagement is expected to pave the way for closer cooperation between both countries in addressing challenges affecting cross-border commerce and unlocking the economic potential of the Kamba–Tungan Gyado border corridor.