By Peter Dansu The Federal Government has approved the operation of only two Customs checkpoints along the busy Mile 2 to Seme border rout...
By Peter Dansu
The Federal Government has approved the operation of only two Customs checkpoints along the busy Mile 2 to Seme border route in Badagry, Lagos State. The move, announced by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), is part of efforts to ease traffic congestion, curb extortion, and improve trade flow along the critical international corridor.
Comptroller Wale Adenuga, who heads the Seme Border Area Command, disclosed this over the weekend during a stakeholders’ forum that brought together security agencies, traditional rulers, and Customs officials from both Nigeria and the Republic of Benin.
He explained that the two officially approved Customs checkpoints are located at Agbara and Gbaji, warning that any other Customs checkpoint along the route is illegal.
“The Federal Government has approved only two checkpoints for Customs—Agbara and Gbaji. Any other checkpoint outside these locations is unauthorized. The public and the media should help us expose such illegal activities,” Adenuga said.
The Comptroller noted that while patrol bases will still operate for intervention and reinforcement purposes, the command has zero tolerance for the proliferation of roadblocks that have made life difficult for motorists and traders.
He also assured that the Service is working closely with other security agencies to maintain order and ensure smooth movement of goods and people across the corridor.
“I came in around 3 a.m. yesterday to assess the situation on the road. The number of checkpoints has started reducing, though it may take a little time before we achieve full compliance,” Adenuga added.
The decision is expected to restore sanity and strengthen trade between Nigeria and the Republic of Benin through the Seme border, which serves as one of West Africa’s busiest trade routes.
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