News - News Agency Of Nigeria

Nigeria, Niger deepen bilateral ties to combat regional insurgency (Page 19)

By Martha Agas

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has deepened bilateral ties with the Niger Republic Customs Administration to strengthen cross-border security cooperation against insurgency.

This followed a high-level bilateral meeting between the NCS, led by its Comptroller-General (C-G) Bashir Adeniyi, and the Niger Republic Customs Administration, led by Director-General Muhammadu Yaqouba, on Friday at the NCS headquarters in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the bilateral engagement aims to strengthen cooperation on the movement of transit goods bound for Niger through Nigeria and to improve information sharing between the two countries.

It also seeks to address security challenges along their shared borders, reduce delays along key transit corridors and ensure that legitimate trade contributes optimally to economic growth in both countries.

Speaking at the meeting, Adeniyi reaffirmed the service’s commitment to strengthening cross-border security cooperation with neighbouring countries, particularly the Republic of Niger, regional trade facilitation and safeguarding transit cargo.

He said that operational challenges usually force landlocked nations to rely on neighbouring ports, increasing costs and affecting competitiveness, and assured Niger of the service’s continued support.

“The NCS has over the years remained committed to facilitating trade for our landlocked neighbours, including the Republic of Niger.

“This commitment will be sustained, irrespective of political differences, because trade, security and regional stability are interconnected.” he said.

According to him, President Bola Tinubu had approved the provision of safe corridors and passages to ease the movement of loaded trucks awaiting clearance, as part of efforts to address concerns around transit bottlenecks.

He said cargoes from Apapa ports and Nigerian airports bound for neighbouring countries would still be processed and moved within 48 hours without compromising security or economic interests

The C-G, however, warned that strict measures had been put in place to prevent the diversion of transit cargo, warning that economic operators who violate transit regulations would face stiff sanctions.

“Non-compliance by a few operators creates non-tariff barriers and undermines trust.

“We are determined to ensure compliance, streamline documentation and remove avoidable bottlenecks along major corridors such as Illela–Sokoto–Kamba–Niger Republic, as well as routes linking Apapa ports and airports to neighbouring countries.” he said.

He said the engagement marked a renewed phase of cooperation, with follow-up actions to streamline operations, cut costs, boost trade, and make the corridor more attractive to transport operators.

He congratulated the Director-General of Niger Republic Customs on his appointment and assured him of continued cooperation with the sister agency in Niger.

Speaking earlier, Yaqoub said that the visit was aimed at addressing the prolonged blockage of trucks transiting from the Republic of Benin to Niger Republic, as well as to address security concerns in the region.

“We face common security challenges, particularly terrorism and banditry, and we believe that engagements like this provide an opportunity to find lasting solutions through cooperation and coordination,” he said.

Also speaking, Maj.-Gen. Garba Laka, National Coordinator of the National Counter-Terrorism Centre, Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), said that insecurity in any part of the Sahel impacts all countries in the region.

According to him, arms trafficking, drug smuggling and the concealment of ammunition in cargo vehicles remain major threats that require coordinated and sustained action.

Laka urged the revival of bilateral security frameworks such as cross-border right-of-pursuit arrangements, stressing that such mechanisms were essential to effectively combating terrorism and organised crime.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Nigeria, Niger deepen bilateral ties to combat regional insurgency

By: Abdulrahman Kadiri

On: February 7, 2026

In: General News

With: 0 Comments

By Martha Agas The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has deepened bilateral ties with the Niger Republic Customs Administration to strengthen cross-border security cooperation against insurgency. This followed a high-level bilateral meeting between the NCS, led by its Comptroller-General (C-G) Bashir Adeniyi, and the Niger Republic Customs Administration, led by Director-GeneralContinue Reading

APC appoints ex-Gov. Masari Chairman forthcoming National Convention Committee

By: Nefisetu Yakubu

On: February 7, 2026

In: Politics

With: 0 Comments

By Emmanuel Mogbede Abuja, Feb. 6,2026(NAN)The All Progressives Congress (APC) has appointed former Katsina State Governor and ex-Speaker, House of Representatives, Aminu Masari as Chairman of its forthcoming National Convention Committee slated for March. This is contained in a statement from the office of the party’s NationalContinue Reading

2027 polls :NSE backs electronic transmission of results

By: Funmilayo Adeyemi

On: February 7, 2026

In: General News

With: 0 Comments

By Angela Atabo The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) has expressed strong support for the real-time electronic transmission of election results ahead of the 2027 General Elections. The NSE President, Ali Rabiu, made this known while reacting to Senate’s rejection of the proposal of real-time electronic transmission of electionContinue Reading

AU envoy lauds Nigerian Navy, proposes pan-African naval exercise

By: Mark Longyen

On: February 6, 2026

In: Foreign

With: 0 Comments

By Sumaila Ogbaje The African Union (AU) has commended the Nigerian Navy for its leadership in maritime security and proposed a continent-wide naval exercise to strengthen cooperation among African navies. AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Amb. Bankole Adeoye, made the call during a courtesy visit to theContinue Reading

CBN, others to support AfCFTA Fest

By: Ndubisi Ijeoma

On: February 6, 2026

In: General News

With: 0 Comments

By Collins Yakubu-Hammer The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) and other stakeholders have pledged support for the 2026 African Continental Free Trade Area Festival (AfCFTA Fest). They made the commitments at the official launch of the AfCFTA Fest on Friday in Abuja.Continue Reading

Group links fall in food prices to Tinubu’s reforms

By: Nefisetu Yakubu

On: February 6, 2026

In: Politics

With: 0 Comments

By Adeyemi Adeleye Lagos, Feb. 6, 2026 (NAN) A group, the Tinubu Media Force, says food prices are gradually easing across major markets nationwide, citing reforms under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. The group said several staple items had recorded price reductions, signalling improved supply conditions andContinue Reading

Food safety: Association tasks farmers on organic practices.

By: Nefisetu Yakubu

On: February 6, 2026

In: Agriculture

With: 0 Comments

By Felicia Imohimi Abuja, Feb. 6, 2026 (NAN) The Organic Fertiliser Producers and Suppliers Association of Nigeria (OFPAN) has urged farmers to adopt organic practices in food production to ensure food safety and promote healthy living. The association said organic farming would help safeguard grains and otherContinue Reading

Prof. Wale Sulaiman declares interest in 2027 Kwara governorship race

By: Funmilayo Adeyemi

On: February 6, 2026

In: Politics

With: 0 Comments

By Bushrah Yusuf-Badmus A world-renowned neurosurgeon and national honouree, Prof. Wale Sulaiman, has declared his interest in contesting the 2027 governorship election in Kwara. Sulaiman made the declaration on Friday during a stakeholders’ meeting with APC party leaders and executives at Ajase-Ipo Ward I in Irepodun Local Government Area ofContinue Reading

Science-based risk assessment cornerstone of Nigeria’s approach to GMOs–NBMA DG

By: Funmilayo Adeyemi

On: February 6, 2026

In: Environment

With: 0 Comments

By Abigael Joshua Effective communication, transparency, and science-based risk assessments are the cornerstones of Nigeria’s approach to Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs). Mr Bello Bwari, the Director-General, National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), gave the assurance during a media interaction in Abuja on Friday. “Where there is communication, you reduce conflict.Continue Reading

PTI, NNPC, scholar spotlight skills imperative in Nigeria’s energy sector

By: Afonne Emmanuel

On: February 6, 2026

In: Business, Oil & Gas

With: 0 Comments

Stakeholders at the 2026 Nigeria International Energy Summit (NIES) have underscored the critical role of human capital and skills development in sustaining Nigeria’s oil, gas, and energy transition agenda.Continue Reading

Follows Us

Nigeria, Niger deepen bilateral ties to combat regional insurgency (Page 19)