FG Delegation hold meeting in Segbana, Benin Republic, to expedite the reopening of Tsamiya Border in Kebbi.
In a move to encourage regional collaboration and enhance economic opportunities, the Federal Government of Nigeria sent a high ranking delegation to engage in a joint ministerial meeting with their counterparts from the Benin Republic to discuss the reopening of the Segbana-Tsamiya border post in Kebbi State. The meeting which was held on the 21st of May, 2024, aimed to hasten up the operations of the border post.
Representing Nigeria were the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Alhaji Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, Executive Governor of Kebbi State, Dr. Nasir Idris, Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, Director of Home Finance at the Ministry of Finance, Alhaji Ali Mohammed, and Dr. Dakorinama Alabo George, Director General Border Communities Development Agency (BCDA), among other dignitaries.
The discussions touched comprehensive issues surrounding the border posts reopening, focusing on logistics, security measures, and the economic impact. Detailed analyses were presented, highlighting expected benefits such as increased trade and potential challenges that might arise. The discussions also included setting timelines and identifying necessary infrastructure to ensure a smooth operation.
During the visit, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, asserted that engagement between the two countries will foster their efforts to enhance the economy. According to him, the aim was to improve the free flow of trade and commercial activities between the two countries, primarily through Northern Borders.
He said, “To ensure closer working and economic relations between Nigeria and the Benin Republic. Over the last six months, within this collaboration framework, we have been working with our colleagues from the Bennese Customs Administration to ensure that we bring the economy together through easy border crossing with goods.”
On her part, the Director General of the Benin Customs Administration, Adidjatou Hassan, appreciated the move to reopen the border, which, according to her, will strengthen the trade activities between citizens of the two countries.
She said, “This development is expected to increase economic cooperation and strengthen bilateral ties between the two nations. We are committed to sustaining our seamless collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service while enhancing security at our borders and trade activities.”
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, said the decision to form the forum was based on Presidents Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s and Patrice Talon’s directives to strengthen social and economic interaction as well as expanding trade and commercial ties between the citizens of the two nations.
The Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, who was part of the delegation, thanked the two countries’ presidents for making moves to reinvigorate the free trade and transportation of goods to various destinations within the two countries.
Governor Nasir, however, emphasised that “the state has maintained good neighbourliness with the Republic of Benin on economic activities and social interaction as both beneficial of the border.”
Further deliberations involved addressing disputes and agreeing on the operational framework. Reinvigoration of a joint commission between Nigeria and Benin took centre stage in the discussion. Also, a significant step towards resolving issues and ensuring the necessary infrastructure forms part of the discussion.
The meeting concluded with a summary of key points discussed and a formal statement of commitment from both sides. Also, an agreement was reached on scheduling a follow-up meeting in June 2024 to monitor progress and address any outstanding issues.
The delegation also agreed to hold a bi-national committee meeting with a defined commitment for subcommittees to submit their reports within two weeks to streamline seamless efforts towards border reopening.
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