By Godwin Oritse

Niger, a landlocked nation, has turned to Nigerian ports to meet its international trade needs following a diplomatic dispute with neighbouring Benin Republic, which has resulted in the closure of key border routes.

Recall that only last week, a delegation from the Nigerien Customs (Douanes du Niger) was at the Headquarters of the Nigeria Customs Service in Abuja to discuss trade issues, seeking Nigeria’s support in its international trade needs.

Speaking at a meeting last week with officials of the Nigeria Customs Service in Abuja, the Comptroller of Nigerien Customs (Douanes du Dosso) in Niger, Abdoulaye Vincent, called for stronger collaboration between Nigerian and Nigerien Customs, with a view to facilitating legitimate trade, generating revenue and bringing relief to communities on both sides of the border.

Vincent noted that the security situation along the Burkina Faso and Togo routes has become a source of concern for Niger.

He said: “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.”

Recall that there has been a serious diplomatic row between Benin Republic and Niger Republic but there are signs it’s easing in 2026.

Also recall that since the July 2023 coup in Niger, relations turned frosty. Niger’s military junta accused pro-Western Benin of wanting to destabilise it, which Cotonou denied.

After Benin’s President Patrice Talon backed ECOWAS’ stance to reinstate Bazoum, Niger closed its border with Benin. It stayed closed even after ECOWAS lifted sanctions in February 2024. Niger is landlocked and relies heavily on Benin’s port of Cotonou, so trade was hit hard.

In December 2025, after a failed coup in Benin, many Beninese suspected Niger’s involvement. In January/March, after an ISIS attack on Niamey airport, Niger’s President Abdourahamane Tiani publicly accused Benin’s former President Talon, France’s Macron, and Côte d’Ivoire’s Ouattara of orchestrating it.

On Christmas Day of that same year, Tiani also accused Benin of serving as a rear base for terrorists.

Benin expelled an intelligence agent and police officer from Niger’s embassy in Cotonou. Niger retaliated by declaring Benin’s first counsellor in Niamey “persona non grata.”

The dispute also spilt into economic issues as  Cotonou blocked oil exports in 2024 and Niamey shut pipeline valves weeks later. Security cooperation against jihadists along the border suffered too.

However, with leadership change in Benin Republic, Romuald Wadagni was inaugurated on May 24, 2026. He signalled intent to rebuild trust.

Analysts say the border closure has become a liability for both sides, and the new Benin administration could leverage the opening. But challenges remain, especially around Benin’s continued close ties with France, which Tiani criticises.