The Presidency has said the recent reopening of the Kamba and Tsamiya border routes along the Nigeria–Niger frontier is aimed at restoring cross-border trade and strengthening regional cooperation.
In a statement issued on Saturday by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, President Bola Tinubu described the move as “both timely and strategic.”
According to the statement, the reopening reflects a balanced approach to governance that connects economic growth, regional diplomacy, and national security.
The Kamba border route is located in Kebbi State, while Tsamiya links border communities between Nigeria and the Niger Republic. These corridors are important trade routes used daily by traders, farmers, transporters, and small business owners.
For many months, border closures had slowed down commercial activities in the area. Residents of border communities, many of whom depend on daily cross-border trade, were hit hard by the restrictions.
The Presidency said the reopening has revived livelihoods in northern communities that rely almost entirely on trade, agriculture, transportation, and small-scale business across the border.
“Commercial activities, particularly the automobile, transport, and logistics business across both sides of the border, are back in full swing,” the statement said.
Residents and traders in Kamba, Tsamiya, and surrounding towns have welcomed the development, saying it has reopened markets and restored income opportunities.
Border communities in northern Nigeria share deep family, cultural, and business ties with communities across the border in Niger Republic. For decades, goods such as grains, livestock, vegetables, textiles, and household items have moved freely through these routes.
The Presidency said agricultural produce is once again moving through recognised and regulated routes. Traders, transport unions, artisans, and logistics operators have resumed operations in border towns and transit corridors.
Before the reopening, many traders were forced to suspend their businesses or use longer and more expensive routes to transport goods. Some small-scale farmers could not sell their produce easily, leading to losses.
The closure of borders in past years was largely linked to efforts to curb smuggling, protect local industries, and address security concerns. While those measures had certain goals, they also affected legal traders and transport operators.
The Presidency noted that the reopening has translated into renewed income opportunities and lawful economic activities for many families. Markets that were once quiet are now busy again, with trucks transporting goods and traders moving between communities.
In addition to economic benefits, the statement highlighted the importance of people-to-people ties. Border communities often share languages, traditions, and intermarriages that go back generations.
“The reopening has reinforced mutual trust between Nigeria and the Republic of Niger,” the statement said, noting that strong community ties help promote peace and cooperation.
While reopening the borders, the Federal Government said security remains a top priority. According to the Presidency, regulated and functional borders provide better oversight than complete closures, which may push activities into illegal channels.
The statement explained that monitored border routes allow for improved intelligence sharing and coordination between Nigerian authorities and their counterparts in neighbouring countries.
The government believes that when trade moves through recognised entry points, it becomes easier to track goods, monitor movement, and prevent criminal activities such as smuggling and trafficking.
The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Dr Bashir Adeniyi, was said to have ensured that both Nigeria and Niger Republic are fully committed to respecting international trade rules before approving the reopening.
Customs officials are expected to use improved technology and modern monitoring systems to supervise activities at the borders. The Presidency said the Kebbi State Government, border communities, and security agencies were consulted and informed about the technical processes involved.
Security challenges in parts of northern Nigeria and neighbouring countries have in recent years raised concerns about cross-border crime and armed groups. The government said stronger cooperation between Nigeria, Niger Republic, and even the Republic of Benin will help improve safety along shared borders.
The Presidency stressed that economic inclusion and national security are not separate issues but are closely linked. When people have access to lawful economic opportunities, the risk of criminal activity is reduced.
Community leaders in Kebbi State have expressed hope that the reopening will bring long-term stability and development. They called on traders and transport operators to follow regulations and support government efforts to maintain order.
As activities resume fully at the border corridors, many residents believe the move will not only boost trade but also strengthen the historic relationship between Nigeria and its neighbours.
For now, trucks are once again moving goods across the frontier, markets are reopening, and families divided by restrictions can reconnect more easily. The Federal Government says it will continue to monitor the situation to ensure that trade flows smoothly while security remains firm.