Nigeria, Benin Customs Deepen Collaboration to Boost Cross-Border Trade

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Customs Administration of the Republic of Benin have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cross-border trade and improving the efficiency of the Sèmè–Kraké corridor.

The commitment followed a high-level engagement held penultimate Friday at the Joint Border Post, bringing together the Comptroller-General of the NCS, Dr Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, PSC(+), and the Director-General of Benin Customs, Col. Raouf Malehossou.

The meeting also attracted senior Customs officials, government representatives, business leaders and other stakeholders along the Lagos-Abidjan trade corridor.

A major highlight of the engagement was the unveiling and demonstration of Customs connectivity projects designed to enhance information exchange, facilitate cargo clearance, eliminate duplication of procedures and accelerate the movement of legitimate goods across the Nigeria-Benin border.

Push for Smarter, Seamless Border

In his welcome address, the Customs Area Controller, Sèmè Area Command, Comptroller Abdullahi Kaila, described the engagement as a demonstration of political will and a shared commitment to transforming cross-border trade in West Africa.

Kaila commended the leadership of both Customs administrations for championing integration and modernisation efforts, assuring that the Sèmè Area Command was ready to support the implementation of the initiatives.

In his remarks, Adeniyi described the Sèmè–Kraké border as one of the region’s strategic economic corridors, stressing the need to move towards a fully functional One Stop Border Post (OSBP).

He said an effective OSBP would help eliminate procedural bottlenecks, reduce transit times and promote transparency in cross-border transactions.

The NCS boss identified the Customs Declaration Exchange System (CDES) as a key component of the planned transformation.

According to him, the system would allow Customs declarations lodged at the Sèmè border in Nigeria to be transmitted electronically to Benin, thereby reducing paperwork and enabling both administrations to exchange critical information in real time.

He added that the system would facilitate the harmonisation of classification and rules-of-origin information before cargoes arrived at the Joint Border Post.

Adeniyi described the initiative as a shift from suspicion to data-driven trust between the two Customs administrations.

Benin Customs Commends Adeniyi

The Director-General of Benin Customs, Col. Raouf Malehossou, commended Adeniyi for his sustained efforts to strengthen Customs cooperation and facilitate legitimate trade between Nigeria and Benin.

Malehossou particularly acknowledged the Nigerian Customs leadership’s focus on innovation and operational improvement, saying he had maintained contact with Adeniyi since his appointment and had observed his commitment to achieving stronger results in Customs cooperation and trade facilitation.

He expressed the hope that the progress recorded through the Nigeria-Benin partnership would eventually be extended to other countries in West Africa, thereby contributing to wider regional economic integration.

BACCIMA Applauds Technology-Driven Reforms

The President of the Badagry Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (BACCIMA), Alhaji Yahaya Oladiran Idris, also commended the NCS leadership for its efforts to improve trade facilitation through technology and digital connectivity.

Idris said the increasing deployment of digital systems in Customs operations was helping to reduce barriers and create a more predictable environment for legitimate businesses and cross-border traders.

Reflecting on the historical development of trade in Africa, the BACCIMA president said the current efforts by Nigeria and Benin represented an opportunity to remove barriers created by past arrangements and reconnect neighbouring economies.

He said the meeting demonstrated a commitment to reversing barriers to trade and promoting greater economic integration across Africa.

Idris expressed appreciation to the leadership of both Customs administrations, while urging continued collaboration to ensure that the Sèmè–Kraké initiative becomes a model for wider Customs connectivity across West Africa.

BACCIMA Honours Customs CG

A major highlight of the engagement was the presentation of an award to Adeniyi by the BACCIMA President on behalf of stakeholders.

The award recognised the Comptroller-General’s contributions to Customs modernisation, trade facilitation and stronger collaboration with stakeholders across the border and maritime trade ecosystem.

The engagement also underscored the importance of stronger coordination among Customs administrations, border agencies and the organised private sector to ensure that investments in technology and infrastructure translate into tangible benefits for traders, businesses and border communities.

The Sèmè–Kraké initiative marks another step in the Nigeria-Benin Customs partnership, with both administrations working towards a more integrated, technology-driven and transparent border management system.

For BACCIMA, improved border processes, greater transparency and faster movement of goods could contribute to increased trade, investment and employment opportunities along the Lagos-Abidjan corridor and the wider African trading network.

The Chamber reaffirmed its commitment to continued engagement with the NCS, Benin Customs Administration, government institutions and other stakeholders to promote seamless cross-border trade, inclusive economic growth and sustainable business development.