Nigerian envoy restates need to install scanners at borders

Nigerian Ambassador to Benin Republic, Oguntuase, Emmanuel Kayode, has restated the need for scanners to be installed at the country’s borders to reduce the incidence of smuggling.
The ambassador made the observation when the Nigeria Customs Service (Seme and Ogun Area Commands) led the delegations of the Joint Border Security Forum from both commands to pay a visit to him.
He bemoaned the massive smuggling of prohibited and restricted items through the Nigeria land borders; proliferation of small arms and light weapons; human trafficking, Illicit drug trafficking, piracy, Illegal bunkering, oil theft and International terrorism.
The ambassador in the light of the challenges charged the security agencies to be more vigilant, alert, effective, and proactive to display due diligence, commitment and professionalism in the discharge of their duties along the borders
The meeting which was at the instance of the Nigerian Ambassador afforded him the opportunity to meet with the various Federal Government agencies operating in the South/Western part of Nigeria and Benin Republic borders, which comprises the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Department of State Security, Nigeria Police Border Patrol, NDLEA, NAFDAC, SON, Port Health, among others.
Welcoming the chairmen of the forum and members from Seme and Ogun axis, the Nigeria Ambassador, disclosed that the meeting was intended to achieve the following objectives—to acquaint officers of the mission, the officials of the border control agencies; create synergy and a harmonious working relationship between the mission and all the border control agencies; establish regular consultation, cooperation and a common mechanism for sharing information. He added that facilitation of the smooth movement of people, goods and services along the Nigeria/Benin Republic borders without compromising Nigeria’s security and national interest will also be enhanced
The Ambassador assured that the mission is working assiduously to ensure the promotion, facilitation and enforcement of ECOWAS trade liberalization Scheme as this will increase the smooth movement of goods and products produced within the two countries into Nigeria and Benin Republic.