By Haruna Usman, Birnin Kebbi
The Kebbi State Governor, Dr Nasir Idris has commended President Bola Tinubu for approving reopening of Tsamiya Border Route in Bagudo Local Government Area of the state.
Governor Idris made the commendation on Saturday during a stakeholders’ meeting held in Birnin Kebbi, which was attended by representatives of the Benin and Niger Republics, security agencies, and trade operators.
The governor assured that the Kebbi State Government is fully prepared to collaborate with the Federal Government to ensure smooth, secured and efficient operations along the border corridor.
“We are not surprised by this approval because we know that when Mr President makes a commitment, he follows through.
“The state government will provide the necessary social amenities, infrastructure and ensure that roads are accessible,” the governor said.
He also commended the leadership style of the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service Mr Bashir Adewale-Adeniyi and thanked the Benin Republic delegation for their cooperation.
In his remarks, the Comptroller-General cautioned that the reopening of the Tsamiya Border Route must not compromise the security of Kebbi and the nation at large.
“We must ensure that we do not jeopardise the security of Kebbi State and the nation at large”.
Mr Adewale Adeniyi disclosed that stakeholders, including the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) are working round the clock to ensure that bottlenecks are addressed.
He warned some non-state actors not to sabotage the initiative, stressing the need to improve boarder communities to give them a sense of belonging.
The Comptroller General commended President Bola Tinubu for approving the reopening of Benin Republic Border through Tsamiya in Bagudo Local Government Area of Kebbi for transit purposes and expressed appreciation to Gov. Nasir Idris for convening stakeholders meeting and demonstrating the state government’s readiness to support the transit corridor.
He added that Customs would streamline documentation and remove bottlenecks along major transit routes, including the Illela-Sokoto-Kamba-Niger Republic corridor and routes linking Apapa Ports and Nigerian airports to neighbouring countries.
He described Kebbi State as strategically important to Nigeria’s security architecture referencing the historic Gwandu Emirate and its influence across Nigeria and neighboring countries.
“There is a saying that when Kebbi cough , the entire country sneezes,” he said.
Also speaking, the Director of Legislation, Customs Administration of Benin Republic, Mr Immora Idrisu, thanked the Nigerian Government for its support noting that the meeting demonstrated strong bilateral cooperation to facilitate trade.
Earlier, the Chairman of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) in the state, Alhaji Muhammad Na-Hali, said the initiative would enhance revenue generation , create jobs and boost the economic activities.
