The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has entered into a strategic partnership with Kebbi Government to implement President Bola Tinubu’s approved transit corridor for goods bound for Niger Republic through the Benin Republic.
Speaking while receiving the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale-Adeniyi during a courtesy visit in Kebbi State, Governor Nasir Idris assured that the state is fully prepared to collaborate with the Federal Government to ensure smooth and effective operations of the corridor.
The governor commended the leadership style of the Comptroller-General Adewale- Adeniyi and expressed appreciation to the Benin Republic delegation for their cooperation.
Earlier, the Comptroller-General said the initiative would address transit bottlenecks, safeguard national security and guarantee 48-hour cargo clearance window through the deployment of cutting-edge technology to prevent diversion of goods.
He warned that economic operators who violate transit regulations would face stiff sanctions, stressing that non-compliance would create non-tariff barriers and undermine trust between neighboring countries.
The Customs boss, who received a rousing welcome from Gov. Idris and two former governors despite a 24 hours of notice of his visit, commended Kebbi state’s spirit of brotherhood and its strategic importance to Nigeria’s security architecture.
Adewale-Adeniyi explained that the bilateral engagement was designed to strengthen cooperation in the movement of transit goods, enhance information sharing, address border security challenges, and ensure that legitimate trade contributes optimally to economic growth.
He disclosed that cargoes from Apapa ports and Nigerian airports destined for neighbouring countries would be processed and moved within 48 hours without compromising national security or economic interests.
COV/SANI DUTSINMA
