…Adeniyi, Yaqouba Pledge 48-Hour Clearance, Zero-Tolerance for Transit Violations
By Joy Odor Reportcircle News
Nigeria and the Niger Republic have taken a decisive step to tackle long-standing transit bottlenecks and strengthen border security, with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) unveiling a safe passage framework for trucks awaiting clearance to Niger.
The announcement came on Friday, 6 February 2026, during a high-level bilateral meeting between the NCS and the Niger Republic Customs Administration at Customs House, Maitama, Abuja.
The Nigerian delegation was led by Comptroller-General of Customs Adewale Adeniyi, while Niger’s team was headed by Director-General Muhammadu Yaqouba.
President Bola Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, has approved the initiative, which aims to ensure smooth and secure movement of transit cargo from Apapa ports and Nigerian airports to neighbouring countries, without compromising national security or economic interests.
“Cargoes in transit will now be processed and moved within 48 hours.
Any attempt to violate transit regulations will attract stiff sanctions,” Adeniyi said, stressing that non-compliance by a few operators had previously created non-tariff barriers and eroded trust.
The CGC highlighted critical transit corridors, including Illela–Sokoto–Kamba–Niger Republic, as well as routes linking Apapa ports and airports to landlocked neighbours, promising streamlined documentation and operational efficiency.
“This engagement marks the beginning of a renewed phase of cooperation. Sustained follow-up actions will reduce costs, increase trade volumes, and make our corridors more attractive to transport operators,” Adeniyi added.
The Comptroller-General also congratulated DG Yaqouba on his appointment, noting the long history of professional collaboration through World Customs Organisation (WCO) platforms and bilateral engagements.
“Cooperation between our services is shaped not only by shared borders but also by international obligations, particularly Nigeria’s commitments under Articles 124 to 132 of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea,” Adeniyi said, referring to landlocked nations’ rights of access to the sea.
For his part, DG Yaqouba described the visit as a working engagement between professional Customs administrations bound by shared responsibilities.
He cited two key issues driving the meeting: the prolonged blockage of trucks transiting from the Republic of Benin to Niger, and regional security threats.
“Terrorism and banditry remain common security challenges.
Coordination like this is essential for lasting solutions,” Yaqouba said, highlighting Operation Saran Kasa, Niger’s nationwide counter-terror initiative launched in 2024.
The DG noted that scanners and other security measures have been deployed at key entry points to combat terrorism, arms trafficking, and cross-border criminality, underscoring Customs’ critical role in national security.
Also speaking, Major-General Garba Laka, National Coordinator of Nigeria’s Counter-Terrorism Centre under ONSA, condemned the recent terrorist attack near Niamey Airport, extended condolences to Niger, and reaffirmed the shared resolve to prevent future incidents.
“Nigeria and Niger are more than neighbours; we share deep historical, cultural, and familial ties. Insecurity in any part of the Sahel affects all of us,” Major-General Laka said.
He called for the revival of bilateral security frameworks, including cross-border right-of-pursuit arrangements, joint operations, and sustained inter-agency collaboration.
The Major-General emphasized that the Nigerian government prioritizes Niger-related matters, particularly trade, energy supply, and security, and pledged prompt attention to requests from Niger on petroleum products and gas.
The meeting signals a strategic push to integrate trade facilitation with security imperatives, aiming to reduce costs, accelerate transit, and safeguard the movement of goods across West Africa’s key corridors.
“By providing safe corridors and efficient clearance, we are ensuring that trade, security, and regional stability are mutually reinforcing,” Adeniyi concluded.
