The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has rolled out a new plan to simplify border activities and clear out the many checkpoints between Seme and Lagos to make trade easier and boost the economy.
Comptroller Wale Adenuga, the Customs Area Controller for the Seme Border Command, announced this effort during a meeting with the Maritime Correspondents Organisation of Nigeria.
He explained that the Command created a task force to deal with the excessive number of checkpoints and other hurdles that have historically slowed down trade on the route.
Adenuga highlighted the stark difference between Nigeria and the Benin Republic side: while the stretch from Seme to Cotonou has no physical checkpoints (officers just use whistles when needed), the Nigerian side is cluttered.
He pointed out the ridiculous situation: “From Seme to Agbara through Lagos, there are more than 100 checkpoints,” arguing that this huge number harms the economy by delaying goods, scaring off traders, and driving up shipping costs.
The Comptroller clarified that removing these needless stops will drastically improve traffic flow, make trade more efficient, and boost Nigeria’s ability to compete in exports. He noted that export activity via the Seme border has been rising, with more Nigerian goods reaching global markets.
Adenuga emphasized that a smooth border process would foster economic growth, create jobs, and offer better opportunities for young Nigerians in cross-border trade. He also called for better cooperation among all security agencies on the corridor to avoid repeating tasks and ensure smooth operations.
Finally, he confirmed that only two Customs checkpoints are officially sanctioned on the Seme–Lagos road, warning that any officer at an unauthorized post will face serious disciplinary action. Adenuga also stressed the importance of the media in promoting accountability for Customs reforms, vowing that the NCS will continue to implement policies that support trade and regional economic unity.
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