Nigeria and the Republic of Benin have taken a significant step towards enhancing regional trade and economic integration with the inauguration of the Tsamiya Dry Port Trade Office in Kano State.
The new office, located at No. ‘A’ Magaji Rumfa Road, GRA Kano, was officially opened on Wednesday, marking a critical milestone in the ongoing efforts to reopen the Segbana-Tsamiya border in Kebbi State.
The event was attended by key officials, including the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, who was represented by Assistant Comptroller Sambo Dangaladima. In his address, Adeniyi highlighted the importance of the occasion, stating that it represents a crucial step toward the full operationalization of the Segbana-Tsamiya border.
READ ALSO: Kano Gov Orders Closure Of MDAs Accounts, Links Low Monthly Revenue To Corruption
He noted that this initiative follows an inter-ministerial meeting in May between the Federal Government of Nigeria and its Beninese counterparts, where discussions centered on logistics, security measures, and the economic impact of reopening the border.
“Today, we are witnessing the opening of a trade office here in Kano, which is a major commercial hub as part of a broader strategy to enhance trade facilitation and also a significant milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to boost regional trade and economic integration between Nigeria and Benin Republic,” Adeniyi stated.
He emphasized the strategic importance of Kano as a major commercial center and the need to streamline business processes in the region. The establishment of an export terminal to support local industries and align with the Federal Government’s broader goals of addressing food security and strengthening economic ties across borders was also underscored.
READ ALSO: NCC Sets September 14 As Final Deadline For NIN-SIM Linkage
Under Adeniyi’s leadership, the Nigeria Customs Service is committed to implementing policies that align with President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda, aiming to achieve sustained economic growth and development.
Imorou Idrissou, Director of the Customs Authority of Benin, who represented the Beninese Customs Comptroller General, commended Presidents Bola Tinubu of Nigeria and Patrice Talon of Benin for their efforts to strengthen trade and economic relations between the two countries.
Idrissou acknowledged President Talon’s commitment to trade facilitation since taking office, emphasizing that the new trade office in Kano is specifically designed to support and ease business operations for Kano-based traders in the Benin Republic.
READ ALSO: Health Crisis Strikes Kano Communities Over Consumption Of Contaminated Water
He outlined the trade office’s objectives, including promoting trade agreements that enable goods from Kano to be cleared in Cotonou, enhancing cross-border trade, implementing ICT solutions for better documentation and tracking of goods, and fostering stronger business relationships between traders in Kano and Cotonou for mutual economic benefit.
The opening of the Tsamiya Dry Port Trade Office in Kano is seen as a move to enhance regional trade, facilitate business operations, and further cement the economic ties between Nigeria and Benin Republic.