By Peter Dansu The new Customs Area Comptroller of the Seme Command, Wale Adenuga, has condemned the growing number of security checkpoin...
By Peter Dansu
The new Customs Area Comptroller of the Seme Command, Wale Adenuga, has condemned the growing number of security checkpoints along the Lagos–Badagry Expressway, describing them as an embarrassment to the country and a major setback to trade and movement. His remarks came during a stakeholders’ engagement held in Seme, where a Badagry youth leader also revealed plans by local youths to stage a protest against the situation if it persists.
Speaking at the meeting, which brought together security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders, business stakeholders, and youth representatives, Comptroller Adenuga expressed deep concern over the excessive number of checkpoints manned by different security agencies along the busy route.
“The time wasted along the Lagos–Badagry Expressway is disturbing. It is embarrassing to see as many as 10 immigration checkpoints, 20 police checkpoints, and 15 customs points all doing the same work,” Adenuga lamented. “Enough is enough. We should have the fear of God in our hearts. With the support of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, I will not rest until these checkpoints are reduced to the barest minimum.”
He explained that the engagement was meant to foster open dialogue among stakeholders and strengthen collaboration towards improving border security and trade facilitation. “We need to tell ourselves the bitter truth. The more we facilitate legitimate trade, the better for our country. When trade thrives, crime reduces,” he added.
Representing the military formations in the area, Group Captain M. Medugu of the Nigerian Air Force Forward Operations Base in Ahanve, Badagry, pledged the military’s support for the Customs Service in addressing the issue.
Also speaking, Tunde Giro, the Depegan of Badagry Kingdom, who represented the Akran of Badagry, disclosed that youths in the area were already planning a protest over what they described as the excesses of security operatives along the corridor. He accused the officers of causing unnecessary delays and extorting commuters, urging the Customs Comptroller to urgently intervene.
Community leader Joseph Agoro from Apa echoed the concerns, saying the actions of security operatives are tarnishing Nigeria’s image and discouraging regional trade. He noted that most of the conflicts along the border route are caused by “camp boys” recruited by some security agencies.
Yusuf Bashir, Chairman of the Community Development Committee (CDC) in Badagry-West LCDA, appealed to the Customs Service to support host communities with basic infrastructure as part of efforts to strengthen cooperation.
Representing Nigeria’s Ambassador to Benin Republic, Olukayode Aluko, the Defence Attaché, Col. S. Yahaya, assured that recommendations from the meeting would be duly implemented.
The meeting had in attendance representatives from the Nigerian Army, Immigration Service, NDLEA, Federal Road Safety Corps, traditional rulers, trade associations, and freight forwarders.
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