The Ogun I Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, under the leadership of the dynamic Comptroller GA Otunla, recently hosted a high-level stakeholder engagement session focused on enhancing trade facilitation along the Idiroko-Igolo border corridor.
The event was held at the Command’s conference room, the strategic meeting brought together key players in cross-border trade, including representatives from the Benin Republic Customs Authority, trade associations, business leaders, clearing agents from both Nigeria and Benin Republic, the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), and Customs liaison officers.
The dialogue centered on improving customs cooperation and streamlining business processes to foster the smooth flow of legitimate trade across the corridor.
In his opening remarks, Comptroller Otunla emphasized the significance of Nigeria-Benin economic ties, stating that the economic relationship between Nigeria and Benin Republic is not only vital to our bilateral engagements but also to the broader West African sub-region. We share a long history of trade and economic cooperation which must continue to thrive in a secure and orderly environment.
He acknowledged the existing challenges that hinder trade, including border inefficiencies, regulatory bottlenecks, and security concerns—issues, he affirmed must be addressed to restore the vibrant commercial activity witnessed before the border closure.
According to Comptroller Otunla, the objective of the meeting was to foster candid dialogue, identify obstacles, and co-create practical, implementable solutions that would promote lawful trade across the Igolo–Idiroko corridor.
During the interactive session, stakeholders highlighted several impediments affecting business activities at the border, including: Multiple checkpoints, poor road infrastructure, Inadequate space for handling large volumes of containers, Tariff and non-tariff barriers, absence of effective dispute resolution mechanisms and persistent security challenges
Following the discussions, participants inspected a one-hectare site provided by the Command, which is capable of accommodating over 30 containers—an infrastructural step forward toward easing cargo flow.
Stakeholders expressed optimism and agreed that with the measures and assurances provided by the Command, Idiroko would soon experience a resurgence in legitimate cross-border trade.
In his closing remarks, Comptroller Otunla reaffirmed his commitment to immediate action in line with the policy thrust of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, which emphasizes cooperation and collaboration, I pledge to utilize all powers within my office to implement the resolutions reached during this engagement.
