Uche Cecil Izuora
Comptroller Wale Adenuga, the Customs Area Controller of Nigeria Customs Service at Seme Area Command, has initiated series of stakeholder engagements aimed at strengthening national security and promoting legitimate trade along the critical Abidjan-Lagos trade corridor.
Comptroller Adenuga explained that the engagements support the policy direction of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, by fostering collaboration among security agencies while respecting the rights and dignity of border community members.
“We encourage open and honest dialogue because facilitating legitimate trade benefits our nation. When trade flourishes, crime diminishes. This vision, championed by our Comptroller-General, is about building a legacy of trade facilitation and a favorable economic environment,” he said.
Highlighting Seme Border’s importance as a crucial hub for regional trade in West Africa, Adenuga emphasized that trade can only thrive where there is effective security and order.
He also raised concern about the numerous checkpoints between Seme and Badagry, describing them as obstacles that delay legitimate travelers and hinder trade. He urged all agencies to adhere strictly to laws and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to improve efficiency.
The meeting brought together key stakeholders including traditional rulers like the Aholu of Kweme Kingdom, Oba Sejiro Olalekan James, and Onibereko of Ibereko, Oba Israel Adewale Okoya; security leaders such as Col. S.B. Yahaya, Defense Attaché to the Nigerian Embassy in Porto Novo; as well as police, intelligence, military, paramilitary officials, border community members, and traders.
During the four-hour discussion, attendees resolved to reduce the number of checkpoints along routes leading to and from the Seme border to facilitate trade, encourage investment, and unlock the area’s tourism potential.
They also pledged to prioritize national interest and unity while respecting the rights and dignity of travelers and traders operating at the border.
The meeting further agreed to eliminate unauthorized checkpoint personnel, commonly known as camp boys, who were found to obstruct and harass legitimate travelers.
Comptroller Adenuga committed to bringing the challenges affecting Seme residents to the attention of Customs Management, particularly regarding the completion of the ongoing customs secondary school and restoring electricity after a seven-year blackout caused by vandals targeting power infrastructure.
All security agency heads, traditional rulers, and community representatives present agreed to maintain the momentum of these engagements to foster ongoing cooperation and progress.