Comptrollers Matawalle, Sule Inspect Compliance After Reopening of Tsamiya–Segbana Border

Comptrollers Matawalle, Sule Inspect Compliance After Reopening of Tsamiya–Segbana Border

Senior officers of the Nigeria Customs Service, led by Comptroller Mahmoud Matawalle Ibrahim and Comptroller Aminu Sule, have conducted a high-level inspection along the Tsamiya–Segbana–Kamba corridor to ensure strict compliance with approved transit procedures following the reopening of the international border for trade operations.

The inspection, carried out on Monday, 9 February 2026, followed the approval granted by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, PhD, for the resumption of transit operations through the Tsamiya/Segbana border. The exercise covered key routes from the Maje border through Kamba in Kebbi State.

Comptroller Matawalle, who is the Customs Area Controller, led the delegation alongside the Comptroller of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone B, Comptroller Aminu Sule, to assess adherence to regulations governing the movement of transit goods destined for neighbouring African countries.

Several dignitaries were present during the inspection, including Senator Ahmed Tijjani Affor Obo of the Republic of Benin; Commander Maigizo Yahaya Tubil of the Bureau de Douane, Niger Republic; Barrister Attahiru Maccido, Chief of Staff to the Kebbi State Government; and Alhaji Idi Bagudo, Chairman of Stakeholders in Kebbi State.

Addressing stakeholders, Comptroller Matawalle said the assignment was aimed at enforcing strict compliance with approved customs procedures to ensure that only legitimate transit goods pass through Nigeria’s borders to Benin Republic, Niger Republic, and other African destinations.

He stressed the importance of preventing the diversion of transit trucks into the Nigerian market for local consumption and called on traditional rulers and host communities to cooperate fully with the Nigeria Customs Service to guarantee the smooth movement of goods and a peaceful operational environment along the corridor.

In his remarks, Comptroller Aminu Sule assured stakeholders of the Federal Operations Unit’s readiness to support lawful trade across international borders, noting that the Service would continue to provide the necessary operational backing in line with its statutory mandate.

Representatives of the customs administrations of Benin and Niger Republics expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the Kebbi State Government, and the Comptroller-General of Customs for approving the transit initiative and creating a platform for cross-border dialogue and cooperation.

Also speaking, the District Head of Kamba, Alhaji Mamuda Zarumai, Sarkin Shikon Kamba, commended the government for the initiative and pledged that the people of Kamba would cooperate fully with Customs authorities, describing the move as beneficial to both local communities and the nation at large.

On behalf of stakeholders, Alhaji Idi Bagudo assured Customs officials of full compliance with all regulations guiding transit operations and vowed that stakeholders would not tolerate any diversion of trucks from their approved destinations in the Niger Republic.

The inspection exercise concluded with the successful escort of transit trucks from Kamba across the border to Tungan Kado in the Niger Republic, marking a significant step in strengthening regional trade and border management.