The Federal Government has confirmed ongoing negotiations with the governments of Benin and Niger regarding the reopening of shared land borders.

Following the inauguration of the National Single Window Project at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja, Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, revealed this development.

Adeniyi stated that discussions have taken place with representatives from both nations to address the issues that led to the border closure and to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

The closure of Nigeria’s land borders with Benin in August 2019, ordered by former President Muhammadu Buhari, disrupted the trade flow of food items, affecting millions of Nigerians who heavily relied on imported goods. The closure aimed to stimulate domestic food production and tackle smuggling and corruption.

Despite initial statements from the Nigerian Customs Service that all imports would be directed through seaports, with no timeline for border reopening until total control was achieved, Adeniyi indicated progress in negotiations.

He affirmed, “Consultations are already in progress, some at very high levels. Over the last weekend, I engaged with counterparts in Benin Republic, and earlier, visited our borders with Niger Republic.”

Adeniyi emphasized the Customs’ commitment to consulting and seeking guidance from President Bola Tinubu to ensure secure borders, with the deployment of the Single Window system intended to enhance efficiency and security.

As a member of the Presidential Steering Committee on the National Single Window Project, Adeniyi expressed gratitude to the President for the project’s launch, highlighting its importance in coordinated border management. He praised President Buhari’s commitment and strong will, essential for the successful implementation of such collaborative projects.