Travel News

Nigeria and Benin Republic yesterday jointly opened the Tsamiya Dry Port Trade Office in Kano State. The commissioning was held at the new office, located at No. ‘A’ Magaji Rumfa Road, GRA, Kano.

Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, said the occasion marked a crucial step towards the re-opening of the Segbana-Tsamiya border in Kebbi State.

Adeniyi, who was represented by the Assistant Comptroller, Sambo Dangaladima, recalled that sometime in May, a delegation from the Federal Government engaged in an inter-ministerial meeting with its counterparts from Benin republic to discuss issues of importance regarding the opening of the Segbana-Tsamiya border in Kebbi with the aimed to fast track the operationalisation of the border post focussing on logistics, security measures, economic impact among other issues.

 “Today, we are witnessing the opening of a trade office here in Kano, which is a major commercial hub as a part of a broader strategy to enhance trade facilitation and also a significant milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to boost regional trade as well as economic integration between Nigeria and Benin Republic,” he said.

He explained that the establishment of the trade office in Kano, a major commercial hub underscores the importance of Kano as a key centre of commerce and highlights importance of streamlining business processes in the region, including the establishment of an export terminal to support local industries as well as aligning with the Federal Government’s broader goals of addressing food security and strengthening economic ties within Nigeria and across its borders.

He added that under Adeniyi’s leadership, the Nigeria Customs Service remains committed to implementing and enforcing the policies and directives of the Federal Government of Nigeria to achieve economic growth and development in line with the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

Director of Customs Authority of Benin, Imorou Idrissou, commended President Bola Tinubu and that of Benin Republic, Patrice Talon, for strengthening trade and economic relations between the two countries.

Idrissou, who represented the Beninese Customs CG, said “presidents of the two countries (Tinubu and Talon) deserve commendations for the initiative which will bring relief to importers,” adding that the president of Benin has been committed to trade facilitation since his coming to office.”

He explained that the opening of a trade office in Kano, is specifically to among other things, support and facilitate the ease of doing business for Kano businessmen in Benin Republic.

Also, to promote and leverage trade agreements that allow for Kano goods to be cleared in Cotonou, enhancing cross border trade.

 “Also, to implement ICT solutions for proper documentation and tracking of goods for ease of operation, as well as establish new and or strengthen existing business relationships between Kano State and Cotonou businessmen for mutual economic benefit,” Idrissou said.