The Customs Area Controller (CAC) of Seme Border Command, Comptroller Wale Adenuga has stressed the importance of streamlining border operations and cutting down the number of checkpoints along the Seme–Lagos corridor.
According to him, this will help facilitate trade and drive economic growth, noting that the Command’s effort is already yielding positive results as it made over one billion Naira revenue in September, and is on course to record about two billion Naira in October, 2025.
Comptroller Adenuga made the disclosure during an engagement with members of the Maritime Correspondents’ Organisation of Nigeria (MARCON) in his office on Tuesday.
“Our export levels have increased recently, and a good number of goods from Nigerian industries are now passing through the Seme border. Every week, over 400 Dangote trucks move across this route to other countries”, he revealed.
The CAC explained that while the route from Seme Border to Cotonou in the Benin Republic has no checkpoints, with officers using a simple whistle to stop vehicles when necessary—the Nigerian side of the border tells a different story.
He pointed out that clearing unnecessary checkpoints would promote the free flow of traffic, promote trade and improve Nigeria’s export performance.
“From Seme to Agbara via Lagos, we have over 100 checkpoints. This is not good for the economy, as it slows down movement, discourages traders, and increases costs,” he lamented.
Comptroller Adenuga highlighted that there are only two approved Customs checkpoint along the corridor, adding that Customs as the lead agency in the Seme frontier, is working hard to get the buy in of other security agencies along the corridor to achieve the goal of eliminating these checkpoints on Nigeria’s most important access road to the rest of West Africa.
He maintained that smoother trade across borders would translate into economic empowerment, job creation, and greater opportunities for the Nigerian youth. He called for synergy among all security agencies operating along the corridor to ensure efficiency and avoid duplication of roles.
“Stakeholders engagement has been happening to nip this in the bud. More meetings will still take place. We will continue to do our best to ensure these unnecessary checkpoints are removed. It’s not about harassing petty traders or women carrying household goods. We should focus on facilitating legitimate trade. When trade thrives, the economy grows, and everyone benefits”.
Speaking further, the CAC stated that the Command has set up a task force to address issues related to multiple checkpoints and other factors that hinder trade facilitation. He cautioned Customs personnel against mounting unauthorised checkpoints, warning that any team seen operating outside approved areas without proper clearance would be sanctioned.
Comptroller Adenuga stressed the importance of collaboration and reiterated his commitment to maintaining an open door communication channel with stakeholders, especially the media, as part of efforts to enhance transparency and accountability in the Command’s operations.
“If we don’t work together with the media, the people in authority may not be aware of what is happening on the ground. Help us amplify this issue. You are our partner in progress. We need your feedback and engagement to help us improve”, he added.
