Kebbi strategic to border trade, revenue – Customs Boss

Bashir Adeniyi, the Comptroller-General of Customs

Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, the comptroller-general of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has identified Kebbi State as a linchpin in Nigeria’s border security framework, revenue mobilisation, and regional trade facilitation.

Adeniyi made the remark on Saturday during a courtesy visit to Governor Nasir Idris at the Government House in Birnin Kebbi, as part of efforts to deepen inter-agency collaboration and advance plans to reopen regulated border trade corridors with neighbouring countries.

He said Kebbi’s geographical position, with expansive land borders shared with the Republic of Benin and the Niger Republic, as well as critical routes such as the Illela–Birnin Kebbi trade axis and the River Niger corridor, places the state at the heart of Nigeria’s customs, trade, and security architecture.

“When Kebbi coughs, the Nigeria Customs Service catches cold. That is how important this state is to our operations,” Adeniyi said.

The Comptroller-General noted that Kebbi has produced several distinguished Customs officers who played key roles in shaping the Service, stressing that their legacies continue to influence national development.

Read also: Nigeria in a crisis of execution as budget grow and results shrink

“We cannot talk about the history of the Nigeria Customs Service without mentioning Kebbi. Some of our most respected leaders came from this state and served Nigeria with distinction,” he said.

Adeniyi added that the Service remains committed to grooming younger officers to sustain this tradition of leadership, not only within Customs but also in broader national and community development roles.

The Comptroller-General expressed concern over rising security challenges in border communities which include smuggling, banditry, arms trafficking, drug abuse, kidnapping, and money laundering.

According to him, the interlinked nature of these crimes makes coordinated action among security agencies imperative.

“These crimes do not operate in isolation. Bandits, arms smugglers, drug dealers, and money launderers depend on one another. If criminals are coordinated, then security agencies must be even more coordinated,” he stated.

He commended the Kebbi State Government for what he described as a strong model of inter-agency cooperation, noting that the state’s security framework reflects unity of purpose and shared responsibility.

“What we have seen here is security agencies working together, planning together, and taking responsibility together. This is a model Nigeria can learn from,” Adeniyi said.

The Customs chief also disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the reopening of regulated transit trade corridors through Kebbi State, subject to strict operational and security controls.

He said engagements are ongoing with neighbouring countries and other stakeholders to ensure that increased trade activities do not undermine national security.

“We are ready to expand the transit trade, but it will be done in a controlled and guided manner. Economic gains must not come at the expense of national security,” he said.

Adeniyi revealed that over 1,700 trucks are currently awaiting clearance across the borders and assured that Customs would deploy robust monitoring systems to prevent criminal infiltration.

Responding, Governor Nasir Idris reaffirmed Kebbi State’s commitment to working closely with the Nigeria Customs Service to strengthen border management, boost economic activities, and improve security.

He pledged the state government’s support for infrastructure development and improved social amenities in border communities to ensure seamless trade operations.

Governor Idris also praised Adeniyi’s leadership, noting that recent reforms have repositioned the Nigeria Customs Service for improved efficiency and accountability.

Join BusinessDay whatsapp Channel, to stay up to date