The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has described Kebbi State as one of the most strategically important states in Nigeria’s border security, revenue generation, and regional trade facilitation efforts.
Adeniyi made the remark on Saturday during a courtesy visit to Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, at the Government House in Birnin Kebbi, as part of moves to strengthen inter-agency collaboration and reopen regulated border trade corridors with neighbouring countries.
Kebbi State shares extensive land borders with the Republic of Benin and Niger Republic and hosts critical entry points such as the Illela–Birnin Kebbi trade axis and the River Niger corridor, making it central to Nigeria’s customs, trade, and security framework.
“When Kebbi coughs, the Nigeria Customs Service catches cold. That is how important this state is to our operations,” Adeniyi said.
He noted that Kebbi has produced several distinguished Customs officers who played key roles in shaping the service, stressing that their legacy continues to contribute to national development. According to him, Customs is committed to mentoring younger officers to become future leaders within and beyond the service.
While reaffirming the core mandates of revenue generation, trade facilitation, and border protection, the Customs boss expressed concern over rising security threats in border communities, including smuggling, banditry, arms trafficking, drug abuse, kidnapping, and money laundering. He stressed the need for stronger inter-agency coordination, noting that criminal networks operate in a highly coordinated manner.
Adeniyi praised the Kebbi State Government for fostering effective inter-agency cooperation, describing the state’s security architecture as one of the best examples of coordinated response in the country.
He also disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the reopening of regulated transit trade corridors through Kebbi State, subject to strict security and operational guidelines. He added that discussions are ongoing with neighbouring countries to ensure trade expansion does not compromise national security.
According to him, over 1,700 trucks are currently awaiting clearance across the border, with Customs set to deploy monitoring mechanisms to prevent criminal infiltration. He further revealed plans for transit vehicles to contribute to infrastructure maintenance, while calling on the state government to provide modern truck parks, welfare facilities, and security support along trade routes.
In his response, Governor Nasir Idris described the visit as timely and historic, reaffirming the state’s commitment to partnering with the Nigeria Customs Service to strengthen border management, security, and economic growth.
“Security is the foundation of development. Without security, there can be no meaningful progress,” the governor said, assuring of support for infrastructure and social amenities in border communities.
Governor Idris also commended Adeniyi’s leadership, noting that recent reforms have repositioned the Nigeria Customs Service for greater efficiency and accountability.
ADEOLA KUNLE
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