Seme Customs, Beninese counterparts synergise to promote trade

Comptroller Wale Adenuga, Customs Area Controller, Nigeria Customs Service, Seme Area Command, has held a Joint Border Management stakeholders’ engagement with officials of the Benin Republic Customs, other security agencies, and representatives of the business community from both countries.

Addressing participants at the meeting, Comptroller Adenuga stated that the Seme-Krake border, which is strategically important for trade in the West African sub-region, also plays a crucial role in intra-African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

He said the meeting is in pursuance of a mandate given by the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, that all identified impediments to the free flow of trade are eradicated in line with the extant laws and ECOWAS protocols of free movement of goods and persons.

He said the border holds great economic potential to be beneficial to citizens and traders from the two (2) countries that have historical, cultural and trade relationships dating from the pre-independence era of both West African countries.

Listing some of the quick takes from the meeting, Comptroller Adenuga highlighted that any officer or non-government official caught frustrating the free movement of persons and goods that have met all formal conditions shall be arrested and prosecuted.

He urged all travellers and traders to bring their complaints to him directly or call the PRO for immediate and prompt action.

He also disclosed that truck examination shall be conducted at the designated examination bay to streamline the process of importation into Nigeria from the neighbouring country.

The meeting, which was the second in a series of strategic engagements under the new controller, was attended by representative of the Chargè d’affaires of the Nigeria Embassy to Benin republic, top security chiefs, business men and women from both countries, also promised to look into issues like timely removal of truck trackers for quicker movement, reduce unnecessary checkpoints, prevent corruption and continually promote dialogue as a means to effective trade.

On space management at the border environment, Comptroller Adenuga said the border is a transit area and should not be made a parking zone or storage point to avoid congestion.

9The Head of Benin Customs at the Krake border, Lt. Col Arnaud Midgrokan, who also doubles as Co-Chair of the JBP, appreciated Comptroller Adenuga for the meeting and expressed optimism that the engagement will open avenues to solutions for all identified challenges.

He promised cooperation and regular collaboration with his Nigerian counterpart to promote lawful commercial activities and continually ensure zero compromise to the joint agreements of both countries.