Nigeria-Benin Customs Move to Eliminate Trade Bottlenecks at Seme -krake Border
Nigeria, Benin Move to Eliminate Trade Bottlenecks at Seme-Krake Border
By Babatunde Aremu
The *Nigeria Customs Service, NCS* and the *Benin Republic Customs Administration* have agreed to work together to eliminate trade bottlenecks and facilitate seamless movement of goods and persons across the *Seme-Krake border*.
The resolution was reached on Friday during a bilateral technical meeting held at the Seme Border Command, as part of efforts to strengthen regional trade in line with the *African Continental Free Trade Area, AfCFTA*.
The *Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, MFR*, who led the Nigerian delegation, said the engagement reflects President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to regional integration and economic prosperity.
He noted that despite the strong cultural and economic ties between Nigeria and Benin, traders still face delays, multiple checkpoints and inconsistent procedures at the border.
_“We are committed to transforming this border into a model for Africa. Our objective is to facilitate trade, not frustrate it,”_ Adeniyi stated.
*Agreed Actions*
Both customs administrations agreed on the following steps:
1. – Align customs processes, documentation and valuation to reduce clearance time
2. Leverage the NCS Trade Modernisation Project and the *B’Odogwu* platform to digitise border operations
3. Strengthen intelligence sharing to combat smuggling and other trans-border crimes
4. Carry border communities and traders along to ensure smooth implementation
The *Director General of Benin Customs* expressed commitment to the partnership, stressing that an efficient Seme-Krake corridor will boost trade volume and increase revenue for both countries.
Officials noted that the initiative aligns with *ECOWAS protocols* on free movement of goods and persons. A joint technical committee was also set up to monitor implementation and report progress.
The meeting is expected to serve as a template for similar reforms at other border posts across the West African sub-region.
