By Peter Dansu Stakeholders from the Border Areas Development Initiative (BADI) and the Universal Research and Training Institute (URTI) in...
By Peter Dansu
Stakeholders from the Border Areas Development Initiative (BADI) and the Universal Research and Training Institute (URTI) in Badagry have commended the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for significantly reducing the number of checkpoints along the busy Mile Two–Badagry Expressway.
In a joint statement, the groups described the move as a major relief for commuters, traders, and transporters who rely on the corridor — one of Nigeria’s most important commercial routes and a gateway to the West African sub-region.
They noted that for years, multiple checkpoints had slowed movement, inflated transport costs, and discouraged legitimate cross-border trade. The Customs Service’s action, they said, marks “a positive step toward restoring efficiency and aligning with national goals on trade facilitation and ease of doing business.”
While recognizing the need for border security, the researchers emphasized that reducing checkpoints will ease the burden on residents, traders, and transport operators, many of whom have suffered from extortion and unnecessary delays.
“This decision by the Nigeria Customs Service demonstrates a commitment to smarter, people-focused border management,” the statement added. “By easing the flow of goods and people, the NCS is helping to revive small-scale trade and strengthen local economies along the Lagos–Seme corridor.”
They also urged other security agencies to support the Customs Service’s reforms and avoid overlapping roles. The Nigerian Immigration Service was praised for maintaining balance in its operations, while both the Navy and Immigration Service received commendation for adopting technology-based surveillance systems such as Falcon Eye and E-Border platforms.
A baseline study conducted earlier this year recorded 58 checkpoints along the 21-kilometre stretch between Badagry and Seme-Krake, with the Nigeria Police Force accounting for over 20% of them. The latest review shows a reduction to 31 checkpoints, though the researchers noted that the police still maintain “an unwieldy number” with unclear functions.
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