Niger Republic is increasingly turning to Nigerian ports to meet its international trade needs following prolonged tensions with neighbouring Benin Republic and the disruption of key trade routes.
A delegation from Nigerien Customs recently visited the headquarters of the Nigeria Customs Service in Abuja to discuss trade facilitation and seek greater Nigerian support for Niger’s international commerce.
At the meeting, the Comptroller of Nigerien Customs in Dosso, Abdoulaye Vincent, called for stronger cooperation between the customs authorities of both countries.
He said closer collaboration would facilitate legitimate trade, improve revenue generation and provide economic relief to communities along the border.
Vincent said insecurity along routes through Burkina Faso and Togo had also become a major concern for Niger.
“The insecurity along the Burkina Faso and Togo routes, as well as the prevailing diplomatic situation with Benin Republic, had disrupted trade. We therefore appealed for increased legitimate exports through Kamba to boost revenue and ease economic hardship for communities along the corridor and beyond,” he said.
Relations between Niger and Benin deteriorated following the military coup in Niger in July 2023.
Niger’s military authorities accused Benin of supporting efforts to destabilise the country, an allegation Cotonou rejected.
The dispute deepened after Benin’s President Patrice Talon supported the Economic Community of West African States’ position on restoring ousted Nigerien President Mohamed Bazoum.
Niger subsequently closed its border with Benin, and the closure continued even after ECOWAS lifted sanctions against Niger in February 2024.
As a landlocked country, Niger has traditionally depended heavily on Benin’s Port of Cotonou for international trade.
The dispute consequently disrupted trade and affected economic activities on both sides of the border.
The disagreement later spilled into oil exports and security cooperation, further complicating relations between the two countries.
Recent developments, however, have raised hopes of improved relations following political changes in Benin.
Niger’s increased use of Nigerian ports could therefore strengthen trade ties between Abuja and Niamey while providing Niger with an alternative route for international commerce.
Analysts believe the prolonged border restrictions have become economically costly for both countries, although challenges remain in rebuilding trust and restoring full regional trade cooperation
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