The reopening of the Samiya International Border in Kebbi State represents a timely and forward-looking policy decision that will strengthen cross-border trade and deepen regional economic cooperation, the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) has said.
NACCIMA National President and Chairman of the Organised Private Sector of Nigeria (OPSN), Engr. Jani Ibrahim, who made this known in a statement, added that the reopening of the Samiya International Border, linking Nigeria with the Republic of Benin, will also revitalize legitimate economic activities along the corridor.
He, therefore, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for directing the immediate reopening of the border, announced during the official visit of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, to the Nigeria Customs Service Area Command in Birnin Kebbi.
Engr. Ibrahim noted with appreciation that the reopening of the border is accompanied by strengthened compliance measures, the deployment of modern cargo monitoring technology, improved transit controls, and firm directives against smuggling and regulatory abuse.
He added that the emphasis on faster cargo clearance timelines and coordinated inter-agency oversight reflects a balanced and pragmatic approach that supports trade facilitation while safeguarding national security and revenue interests.
“As a leading advocate for cross-border trade enhancement and regional integration, NACCIMA recognises the far-reaching developmental impact that functional and well-regulated border posts have on border community livelihoods and agricultural and commodity value chains,” the NACCIMA president stated.
He listed other areas that will be impacted by cross-border trade enhancement to include Small and Medium-Scale Enterprises (SMEs) and informal sector traders; regional food security, bilateral and ECOWAS trade integration, and social and cultural exchange.
“The reopening of the Samiya International Border sends a strong policy signal that regulated, technology-driven border operations can simultaneously promote economic growth, enhance competitiveness, and protect national interests,” Engr. Ibrahim stated.
He reaffirmed NACCIMA’s commitment to partnering with government agencies and stakeholders to ensure that this policy direction translates into sustainable trade expansion, inclusive growth, and strengthened regional cooperation.
