Seme Customs teams up with partners to clear trade hurdles.

The Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening trade facilitation by collaborating with key stakeholders to address existing trade barriers along the Nigeria–Benin border. This move, according to the Command, is in line with the Federal Government’s policy to enhance regional economic integration and promote seamless cross-border commerce in West Africa.

Comptroller Timi Bomodi, the Customs Area Controller of the Seme Command, disclosed this during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Seme Border. He noted that the partnership with border communities, transport unions, freight forwarders, and other regulatory agencies aims to eliminate bottlenecks that impede the smooth flow of goods and services between Nigeria and neighbouring Benin Republic. “We are determined to make the Seme corridor a model of efficient and transparent trade operations. Our goal is to remove every obstacle that discourages legal trade while ensuring national security and revenue generation,” Bomodi stated.

He explained that the Command has implemented several reforms in recent months, including the automation of clearance processes, improved inter-agency coordination, and the deployment of modern scanning equipment to facilitate faster cargo inspection. According to him, the collaboration between Customs and other border stakeholders has significantly improved trade efficiency, reduced smuggling, and enhanced compliance with international trade protocols.

Bomodi emphasized that the Seme Command’s new strategy is anchored on transparency, stakeholder engagement, and technological innovation. “We are not just enforcing trade laws; we are also promoting trade growth. Our collaboration with stakeholders is built on mutual trust, shared responsibility, and the collective vision of transforming Seme into a leading trade hub in West Africa,” he added.

Representatives of transport unions and freight forwarders present at the meeting commended the Customs Service for its renewed commitment to addressing trade challenges. They noted that the reduction in unnecessary checkpoints and improved documentation processes have already begun to ease movement of goods across the border. Mr. Emmanuel Okon, a representative of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), highlighted that the recent reforms have reduced cargo clearance delays and minimized extortion incidents along the corridor. “The engagement between Customs and trade stakeholders has been productive. We are seeing improvements, and we believe continued dialogue will yield even greater results,” Okon said.

The Seme Border, historically one of Nigeria’s busiest land borders, serves as a major gateway for imports and exports between Nigeria and other West African nations. However, it has also faced persistent challenges such as multiple regulatory checkpoints, poor infrastructure, and bureaucratic delays that discourage legitimate trade. With the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement now in effect, the Seme Customs Command is positioning itself to align with regional trade liberalization goals by improving border efficiency and compliance standards.

According to Bomodi, the new initiatives are not only aimed at simplifying border procedures but also at strengthening Nigeria’s competitiveness within the sub-region. He disclosed that the Command has intensified efforts to curb illegal trade practices through intelligence-driven operations, data monitoring, and close collaboration with Benin’s Customs authorities. “We have built strong relationships with our counterparts in Benin Republic to ensure that trade along this corridor complies with both countries’ regulations. This cooperation helps prevent revenue leakages and promotes trust between border institutions,” he said.

The Controller also assured stakeholders that Customs will continue to support legitimate traders by providing a transparent business environment. He reiterated that the Service’s priority remains balancing trade facilitation with national security. “We understand that trade is the lifeline of our economy, but it must be conducted within the law. While we encourage compliance, we will not hesitate to sanction those who engage in smuggling or under-declaration,” he warned.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Border Communities Development Association, Chief Oladipo Sanni, called for improved infrastructure and logistics support at the Seme corridor to complement Customs’ efforts. He appealed to both Nigerian and Beninese authorities to invest in better road networks, warehouses, and inspection facilities to enhance the efficiency of trade operations. “The success of this partnership depends on the infrastructure supporting it. We need a modern border environment that reflects the spirit of regional integration,” Sanni added.

The meeting also discussed the importance of adopting digital solutions to reduce paperwork and promote faster cargo clearance. Stakeholders urged the Customs Service to sustain its digitization drive to ensure real-time information sharing and eliminate human interference in trade processes.

As the partnership progresses, the Seme Command reaffirmed its readiness to sustain stakeholder engagement through regular consultative meetings and joint task forces to address emerging trade issues. The Command also emphasized that continued collaboration among government agencies, private operators, and border communities remains critical to achieving sustainable trade facilitation.

 

In conclusion, the renewed alliance between Seme Customs and key trade stakeholders marks a significant step toward improving Nigeria’s cross-border trade environment. By prioritizing transparency, collaboration, and technological innovation, the Command is laying the groundwork for a more efficient and competitive trade system that supports the nation’s economic growth. As the reforms take deeper root, the Seme corridor could become a model for effective border management and a major driver of West African trade integration.