From Mustapha Adamu, Kano
The port authority of Cotonou, Republic of Benin has opened a clearing office in Kano to facilitate business and promote trade between Nigeria and Benin.
The two countries will sign agreement to allow goods brought through Cotonou port to be cleared at Tsamiya border (dry port in Kebbi state).
Tsamiya inland port is located On Segbana-Tsamiya Nigeria-Benin border.
The port when operational will fasten clearance of goods with strict adherence to customs regulations in the two countries.
Comptroller general of customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi represented by the Coordinator Federal operations zone B, Assistant comptroller general Sambo Khaliel Dangaladina said the opening of office in Kano
is a strategy to enhance trade facilitation.
According to him, the initiative would help in boost regional trade and economic integration between Nigeria and Benin, especially as Kano is commercial nerve centre of Northern Nigeria.
“ The establishment of this Trade office in Kano, a major commercial hub underscores the importance of Kano as a key center of commerce of streamlining business process in the region including establishment of an export terminal to support local industries as well as aligning with the federal government’s broader goals of addressing food security and strengthening economic ties within Nigeria and across its borders,” the CG said.
The Beninese Customs CG represented by Imorou Idrissou, director of cooperation of customs of Benin, said presidents of the two countries deserve commendations for the initiative which will bring relief to importers adding that the Benin president has been committed to trade facilitation since his coming to office.
President of National Harmonized traders Union Alhaji Danbature Abdulaziz expressed traders’ gratitude for the border reopening, saying the distance of about 1400km from Cotonou to Kano will be reduced to about 800 kilometers through the Segbana-Tsamiya border in Kebbi state.
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