Adenuga engages Benin Customs, vows to arrest officers obstucting legitimate trade at Seme border

In a move aimed at dismantling multiple roadblocks and fostering seamless regional trade, the Controller of the Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Comptroller Wale Adenuga, has issued a stern warning that any officer or non-government official caught frustrating the free movement of persons and goods that have met all formal conditions would be arrested and prosecuted.

The directive was one of the key outcomes of a Joint Border Management stakeholders’ engagement held on Tuesday, which brought together officials from Benin Republic Customs, Nigerian security agencies, and representatives of the business communities from both nations.

Addressing participants at the meeting, Comptroller Adenuga said the Seme-Krake border which is strategic to trade in the West African sub region also plays a critical role in intra African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

He said the meeting is in pursuant of a mandate given by the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, that all identified impediments to 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 citizens and traders from the two 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 urged all travelers and traders to bring their complainants 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, also saw commitment from all parties including representative of the Chargè d’affaires of the Nigeria Embassy to Benin republic, top security chiefs, business men and women from both countries 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.

The 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.