Nigeria, Niger Customs seek stronger Kamba border trade

The Nigeria Customs Service, Kebbi Area Command, on Thursday, hosted a delegation from the Nigerien Customs to deliberate on emerging issues affecting trade along the Kamba–Tungan Gyado border corridor, with a view to facilitating legitimate trade, generating revenue and bringing relief to communities on both sides of the border.

The Customs Public Relations Officer of Kebbi Area Command, Mustapha Mubarak, announced this in a statement obtained by The PUNCH.

According to Mubarak, the engagement was attended by the Customs Area Controller in charge of Kebbi Area Command, Mahmoud Ibrahim, Comptroller, Douanes du Dosso, Niger Republic, Abdoulaye Vincent, among others.

Speaking during the visit, Comptroller, Douanes du Dosso, appreciated the CAC for hosting the delegation and called for stronger collaboration between Nigerian and Nigerien Customs, particularly in facilitating trade through the Kamba corridor.

He noted that insecurity along the Burkina Faso and Togo routes, as well as the prevailing diplomatic situation with the Benin Republic, had disrupted trade.

He therefore appealed for increased legitimate exports through Kamba to boost revenue and ease economic hardship for communities along the corridor and beyond.

In his response, the CAC welcomed the initiative and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with Nigerien Customs and facilitating legitimate cross-border trade.

Ibrahim pledged to sensitise stakeholders on customs procedures and encourage greater use of the Kamba corridor.

He noted that increased trade would boost revenue, “create jobs and improve livelihoods in border communities. He also announced plans to visit the Nigerien Customs Command in Dosso to further strengthen bilateral cooperation and trade facilitation.”

The engagement ended with the Sarkin Shikon Kamba expressing gratitude to the CAC for creating a conducive environment for legitimate business, while praising his concern for the welfare and economic prosperity of Kamba residents and praying for the success of the partnership.

Other stakeholders at the meeting included Chairman Dendi Ganda, Sarkin Shikon Kamba, Mamuda Zarumai; Secretary-General, SNAT Gaya, Abubakar Inusa, among others.