The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has initiated moves to streamline border operations and eliminate multiple checkpoints between Seme and Lagos in a bid to boost trade and economic growth.

Customs Area Controller of the Seme Border Command, Comptroller Wale Adenuga, stated this during an engagement with members of the Maritime Correspondents Organisation of Nigeria.

Adenuga said the Command had set up a task force to tackle issues arising from excessive checkpoints and other bottlenecks hindering trade facilitation along the corridor.

He observed that while the route from Seme to Cotonou in the Republic of Benin had no checkpoints, with officers using only a whistle to stop vehicles when necessary, the Nigerian side told a different story.

“From Seme to Agbara via Lagos, we have over 100 checkpoints. This is detrimental to the economy, as it slows down movement, discourages traders, and increases costs,” he said.

The Comptroller explained that removing unnecessary checkpoints would ensure smoother traffic flow, improve trade facilitation, and strengthen Nigeria’s export performance.

He disclosed that export activities had risen in recent months, with a steady increase in goods from Nigerian industries passing through the Seme border weekly.

Adenuga added that seamless border trade would promote economic empowerment, job creation, and greater opportunities for Nigerian youth.

He called for synergy among all security agencies operating along the corridor to enhance efficiency and prevent role duplication.

According to him, only two Customs checkpoints are officially approved along the route, and any personnel found operating unauthorised posts without clearance would face sanctions.

He further underscored the importance of collaboration between Customs and the media to foster transparency and accountability, reiterating his commitment to maintaining open communication with stakeholders. (The Guardian)