The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, has announced that President Bola Tinubu has approved the creation of safe corridors and secure passageways to ease the movement of trucks awaiting clearance into the Republic of Niger. The initiative is designed to unlock transit bottlenecks, boost cross-border trade, and reinforce border security.
Speaking on Friday, 6 February 2026, during a high-level bilateral meeting with the Niger Republic Customs Administration led by Director-General Muhammadu Yaqouba, Adeniyi explained that the measure will facilitate the movement of transit cargo—particularly goods from Apapa ports and Nigerian airports—while safeguarding national security and economic interests.
48-hour clearance is being targeted as transit cargoes will be processed and moved within two days. Measures are in place to prevent diversion of goods, with sanctions for violators. Documentation and bottlenecks will be reduced along major routes such as Illela–Sokoto–Kamba–Niger Republic.
Adeniyi emphasized Nigeria’s obligations under the United Nations Law of the Sea, which guarantees landlocked countries access to the sea. He noted that Nigeria remains committed to facilitating trade for Niger and other landlocked neighbours, regardless of political differences.
Director-General Yaqouba described the visit as a working engagement to address two pressing challenges: the prolonged blockage of trucks transiting from Benin to Niger and regional security concerns. He highlighted Niger’s Operation Saran Kasa, launched in 2024, which has deployed scanners and coordinated national security agencies to combat terrorism and arms trafficking.
Major-General Garba Laka, National Coordinator of the National Counter-Terrorism Centre, extended condolences over the recent terrorist attack near Niamey Airport and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to joint security efforts. He called for the revival of bilateral frameworks, including cross-border right-of-pursuit arrangements and joint operations.
The meeting marks the beginning of a renewed phase of cooperation between Nigeria and Niger Customs. Sustained follow-up actions are expected to reduce costs, increase trade volumes, and enhance corridor attractiveness, while strengthening regional security against terrorism, smuggling, and arms trafficking.