Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi has disclosed that the Tsamiya Dry Port, located in Kebbi State, will soon commence operation.
Mr Idris made the disclosure shortly after meeting with the President of the Benin Republic, Patrick Talon, in Cotonou, as contained in a statement on Wednesday in Kano.
The statement, signed on Wednesday by a media consultant for the port, Auwal Sa’id, quoted the governor as expressing optimism that the port, if commissioned, would promote regional trade and enhance economic activities in the West African subregion.
Mr Sa’id said the meeting between the two leaders was in continuation of efforts aimed at actualising the opening and commencement of trade activities at the border’s Tsamiya Dry Port.
“We discussed strategic partnership and agreed on all proposals relating to the smooth take-off of the project,” the statement quoted Mr Idris as saying during the meeting.
The visibly excited governor further noted that, “the agreement between Nigeria and Benin will be highly beneficial to residents of towns and villages along the Sagbana, Tsamiya route”.
He recalled that on May 21, 2024, officials comprising Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister and the Comptroller General of Customs, alongside their Benin Republic counterparts, signed an agreement on behalf of the two countries for the establishment of the Tsamiya Dry Port and commencement of trade on the route.
Also speaking after the meeting, the representative of the Benin Republic government, Depute Issa Salifou, who doubles as the facilitator of the project, noted that trade and economic activities will be enhanced not only between Nigeria and Benin Republic but also Niger Republic.
Mr Salifou expressed confidence that the project will start operating by the end of October, adding that “as soon as this happens, the people, especially those along the Sagbana-Tsamiya route, will have their lives changed for the better.
He added that their economic well-being will improve through the volumes of trade and other economic activities that will be taking place in that axis.
He further revealed that the project signals the legalisation of trade on the route as this is the first legal dry Port established on the axis.
“Prior to this development, trade along the route was being carried out illegally through smuggling since independence,” Mr Salifou added.
The statement explained that the port is anticipated to increase bilateral trade volumes and attract foreign investment in logistics and manufacturing sectors, strengthen economic ties between Nigeria and Benin Republic, and foster regional stability and collaboration.
“In furtherance of efforts to actualise the initiative, on August 28, 2024, a trade office was commissioned in Kano by a high-powered joint team of customs officials from both countries to facilitate trade between Nigeria and Benin Republic,” the statement added.
