Niger seeks Nigerian ports as diplomatic tensions with Benin hurt trade

Niger Republic is turning increasingly to Nigeria for access to international trade routes as its prolonged dispute with neighbouring Benin continues to disrupt commerce.

The landlocked country has begun seeking greater use of Nigerian ports and trade corridors following the closure of key routes through Benin, which has traditionally been an important gateway for Niger’s international trade.

As part of the effort, a delegation from Nigerien Customs, Douanes du Niger, visited the Nigeria Customs Service headquarters in Abuja last week to discuss trade facilitation and seek assistance with Niger’s international commerce.

During the meeting, Abdoulaye Vincent, Comptroller of Nigerien Customs (Douanes du Dosso), called for closer cooperation between the customs authorities of both countries.

He said improved collaboration would help facilitate legitimate trade, increase revenue and provide relief to communities living along the border and trade corridors.

Vincent said Niger was particularly concerned about security conditions on routes passing through Burkina Faso and Togo.

“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.

The appeal underscores the growing importance of Nigeria to Niger’s trade strategy as the diplomatic confrontation with Benin continues.

From political disagreement to border closure

The Niger-Benin dispute has its roots in the July 2023 military coup in Niger.

Relations between Niamey and Cotonou deteriorated sharply after the coup, with Niger’s military junta accusing Benin, which maintains close relations with Western countries, of supporting attempts to destabilise Niger.

Benin rejected the allegations.

The situation worsened after then-Beninese President Patrice Talon backed ECOWAS efforts to restore deposed President Mohamed Bazoum to power.

Niger subsequently shut its border with Benin.

The border remained closed even after ECOWAS lifted sanctions against Niger in February 2024, creating serious economic consequences for the landlocked country.

Niger had depended heavily on Benin’s Port of Cotonou as a major gateway for imports and exports, meaning the closure severely disrupted trade.

The dispute later extended beyond the border.

In December 2025, following a failed coup attempt in Benin, suspicions emerged in the country over possible Nigerien involvement.

Further tensions followed an ISIS attack on Niamey airport in January/March. Nigerien President Abdourahamane Tiani publicly accused former Beninese President Talon, French President Emmanuel Macron and Côte d’Ivoire’s President Alassane Ouattara of orchestrating the attack.

Tiani also accused Benin of acting as a rear base for terrorists on Christmas Day of the same year.

The accusations triggered additional diplomatic retaliation.

Benin expelled an intelligence agent and a police officer from Niger’s embassy in Cotonou, while Niger responded by declaring Benin’s first counsellor in Niamey persona non grata.

Economic confrontation follows diplomatic row

The diplomatic crisis also affected energy and economic relations.

In 2024, Cotonou blocked oil exports, prompting Niamey to shut pipeline valves several weeks later.

Security cooperation between the two countries also suffered, particularly along the border where jihadist groups have remained active.

The deterioration in relations has therefore affected not only political ties but also trade, energy and regional security.

With Niger unable to rely fully on its traditional route through Benin, Nigerian ports and the Kamba corridor have become increasingly important alternatives.

Signs of a possible rapprochement

There are, however, indications that the relationship between Niger and Benin could be moving towards a thaw.

Romuald Wadagni was inaugurated as President of Benin Republic on May 24, 2026, and has indicated an intention to rebuild confidence and repair relations with neighbouring countries, including Niger.

Analysts believe the continued border closure has become costly for both countries and that the new administration in Cotonou has an opportunity to reopen dialogue and reduce tensions.

The path to reconciliation, however, remains complicated.

One of the major sticking points is Benin’s continued close relationship with France, which Niger’s military authorities under President Tiani have repeatedly criticised.

Against this backdrop, Niger’s engagement with Nigerian authorities represents a practical attempt to keep its international trade moving despite the diplomatic and security challenges along its traditional routes.

The increased use of Nigerian ports could also strengthen trade ties between Nigeria and Niger, particularly if legitimate exports through Kamba expand as proposed by the Nigerien Customs authorities.

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