Seme Area Command Convenes Stakeholder Forum to Tackle Border Bottlenecks

The Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service recently hosted a major stakeholder forum, bringing together security agencies, traditional rulers, and customs officials from the Benin Republic. The gathering aimed to streamline border operations and ease trade bottlenecks along the Lagos–Abidjan corridor.

Key resolution: reduce the number of checkpoints and curb extortion to ensure smoother movement of goods and people, all while keeping national security intact.

What the Controller of the Command, Comptroller Wale Adenuga, said at the Seme border

In a detailed interview with journalists at the Seme border on Thursday, Comptroller Adenuga explained the Customs’ approach to border patrol and checkpoint management. He emphasised that only two official checkpoints are approved for the Seme area: Gbaji and Agbara, along the Badagry–Seme road. Any other checkpoint set up by Customs officers outside these two locations, and the necessary mobile patrols, is considered illegal.

Adenuga also noted that the Customs’ management supports ongoing patrols for intervention and reinforcement, but permanent checkpoints should remain limited to Gbaji and Agbara. He described a patrol base and reinforcement teams stationed at these points to support permanent officers, stressing that you would not see Seme checkpoints at places like Mowo or elsewhere on the roads. He urged media outlets to expose any unauthorised checkpoints to help enforce compliance.

The Controller highlighted a growing synergy among agencies—military, police, and others—to reduce checkpoints gradually. He acknowledged that while total elimination isn’t immediate, continued cooperation and public education could help minimise illegal operations. He also stressed the importance of media involvement in exposing non-compliant conduct.

Asset disposal and avoiding waste

Addressing concerns about seized assets—such as edible items and vehicles filling government warehouses—Adenuga said the Comptroller General of Customs has zero tolerance for waste. He assured that steps are being taken to dispose of such assets properly and transparently, not through back channels. He referenced recent discussions with headquarters about repairing roads and using cement recovered from an old salvage situation, illustrating a commitment to waste avoidance and practical solutions rather than inaction.

On the question of used vehicles and new port facilities

Regarding new vehicles seen around the Seme corridor, Adenuga explained that many are in transit and not destined for Nigeria. He mentioned progress on a licensed bonded terminal approved for the Seme border, which would streamline examination and release processes for goods coming in. An examination bay for Nigerian goods has been created, with scanners being fixed to improve efficiency. Some vehicles are en route to a trailer park, which the command is working to decongest.

Timeline for fewer checkpoints

Adenuga indicated that with cooperation from the public and media, the number of checkpoints can be reduced to the bare minimum. He cited a recent example where NAFDAC dismantled its checkpoints, but one individual briefly reestablished a checkpoint before being addressed. He urged ongoing public collaboration to ensure all agencies comply with the directive to minimise checkpoints.

Revenue surge and strategies

During Adenuga’s first month in office, revenue jumped from about N500 million in August to over N1 billion in September. He attributed this to a focus on trade facilitation rather than magic. His experience as a former Deputy Comptroller in Revenue at Apapa informs his approach to reducing leakages and accelerating processes. By shortening the time required for declarations and maintaining daily consultation with the DCG Tariff and Trade, he aims to attract more legitimate trade and reduce smuggling. The overarching message: facilitate trade to boost revenue, while maintaining robust controls.

What this means for traders and travellers

• Fewer, better-placed checkpoints: With Gbaji and Agbara as the official sites, traders can plan around fewer delays, provided they comply with the rules.
• Faster clearance: A focus on trade facilitation aims to speed up declarations and examinations, reducing lead times for legitimate shipments.
• Greater transparency: The administration is encouraging media and public engagement to report non-compliance and promote accountability.
• Continuous improvements: Collaboration among security agencies and ongoing road works are part of an effort to improve border efficiency and reduce waste.

If you’re a trader or traveller in the Seme-Badagry corridor, stay aware of official updates from the Nigeria Customs Service and your local authorities. Public cooperation, including reporting unauthorised checkpoints and practices, is a key part of making border processes smoother and more transparent.