I’ve Unshaken Commitment to Reduce Multiple Checkpoints Along Seme Border Road -Comptroller Adenuga
Customs Area Controller of the Seme Border Command, Comptroller Wale Adenuga, has emphasized the need to streamline border operations and reduce the number of checkpoints between Seme and Lagos to promote free trade and economic growth.
Speaking during an engagement with members of the Maritime Correspondents Organization of Nigeria (MARCON), on Tuesday in his office, Comptroller Adenuga 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 stressed the importance of collaboration between Customs and the media in ensuring transparency and accountability.
“If we don’t work together with the media, the people in authority may not be aware of what is happening on the ground. We need your feedback and engagement to help us improve,” Adenuga said.
According to him, 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.
“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.
Adenuga noted that clearing unnecessary checkpoints would promote the free flow of traffic, enhance trade facilitation, and improve Nigeria’s export performance.
“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 Comptroller 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.
“It’s not about harassing small traders or women carrying household goods. We should focus on facilitating legitimate trade. When trade thrives, the economy grows, and everyone benefits,” he said.
Adenuga noted that there are only two approved Customs checkpoint along the corridor, saying the Nigeria Customs Service as the lead agency in the Seme frontier, is working assiduously to get get the buy in of other government agencies along the corridor to achieve the goal eliminating the unnecessary checkpoint on the Nigeria’s most important road access to the rest of the rest of West Africa.
He further also cautioned Customs personnel against mounting unauthorized checkpoints, warning that any team seen operating outside approved areas without proper clearance would be sanctioned.
He 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.
“I really appreciate your coming. We need more of these engagements. The more we talk and share information, the better we understand where improvements are needed,” he concluded.
One Comment