The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and their Beninese counterparts have inaugurated a new clearing office in Kano state as part of efforts to bolster bilateral trade between Nigeria and Benin.
Daily News 24 reports that the Tsamiya Border Clearing office was inaugurated on Wednesday, to enhance trade facilitation between the two nations.
In his remarks, Sambo Dangaladima, Zonal Coordinator of the NCS, outlined the strategic importance of the new clearing office, emphasizing that the Kano office would serve as a key contact point for importers from Benin Republic.
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“This office is very good because it is a contact point for all our importers from Benin Republic.
“When they come and have any complaints, they can come here and lay their complaints, which will be directed to the relevant authorities. The whole aim is to facilitate trade and reduce the timeframe of trade transactions,” he said.
It was learnt that the new clearing office is part of a broader initiative that includes plans to open the Savannah-Tsamiya Border in Kebbi State. The office also aims to improve the efficiency of customs procedures, reduce delays, and lower costs for importers and exporters using Cotonou ports.
On his part, Imorou Idrissou, Legal Director of Beninese Customs, also addressed the significance of the new facility. “We are here today to strengthen the relationship between Nigeria and Benin. Kano is the center of trade affairs in the northern part of Nigeria,” Idrissou noted.
He highlighted the office’s role in serving as an information hub for trade formalities. “We want this place to be the center of information so that everyone who wants to understand the formalities in Cotonou on how to annex and navigate them can do so. This will help ensure that policies and formalities in our customs services are accessible,” he said.
The establishment of the Tsamiya Border Clearing Office represents a critical step in enhancing trade efficiency and fostering closer economic ties between Nigeria and Benin.
