Comptroller Adenuga Leads Charge for Barrier-Free Cross-Border Trade
The Customs Area Controller of Seme Area Command, Comptroller Wale Adenuga, has reaffirmed his commitment to eliminating all obstacles hindering smooth cross-border trade operations between Nigeria and Benin Republic.
Comptroller Adenuga made this declaration during a two-day stakeholders’ engagement held at the Seme-Krake Joint Border Post on Tuesday, 7 October 2025, which brought together sister security agencies, trade unions, traditional rulers, youth leaders, and officials of the Benin Customs Service.
He emphasised that the series of engagements were designed to strengthen inter-agency cooperation, promote legitimate trade, and enhance security along the Lagos–Abidjan corridor.
He stated, “Today’s event is to find a lasting solution hindering trade along Lagos-Abidjan corridor especially Seme axis. We want to facilitate commerce and look at how we can do things differently to reduce crime to the barest minimum. We understand the importance of trade facilitation and my CGC has directed creating a conducive environment that ensures business prosperity and peaceful coexistence.”
Comptroller Adenuga reminded participants that the Seme Border remains a strategic gateway for regional trade in West Africa, stressing that commerce can only thrive in an atmosphere of security and orderliness.
He assured subsequent meetings would follow highlighting that any officer or non-government official caught frustrating free movement of persons and goods that have met all formal conditions shall be arrested and prosecuted.
Adenuga urged all travelers and traders to bring their complaints to him directly or call the Public Relations Officers for prompt action.
On his part, the head of Benin Customs and Co-Chair of the Joint Border Post, Lt. Col Arnaud Midgrokan, commended Comptroller Adenuga for the initiative, expressing optimism that the engagement would yield lasting solutions.
He promised cooperation and regular collaboration with his Nigerian counterpart to promote lawful commercial activities and continually ensure zero compromise to the joint agreements of both countries.
Also speaking, the Secretary-General of the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Seme Chapter, Austin Nwosu, praised Customs leadership for creating a participatory platform for dialogue.
“We are happy because this is a starting point of greater things to come. With what we have seen, the current controller is working to ensure that Seme border is attractive for business which is part of the CGC’s core mandate,” he said.
The meeting concluded with an interactive session, where participants expressed appreciation to the Nigeria Customs Service for fostering inclusiveness and demonstrating a renewed commitment to trade facilitation and regional cooperation.
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