Nigeria, Benin Customs Launch Modernised Seme–Krake Joint Border Post

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), in collaboration with Benin Customs, has commenced the modernization of the Seme–Krake Border Post into a model, technology-enabled Joint Border Post. The initiative, launched on Friday, 11 July 2026, is anchored on customs inter-connectivity, joint risk management, coordinated enforcement, secure infrastructure, harmonized procedures, and accountable joint governance.

Speaking at the commissioning, Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, emphasized that the facility cannot function as a true joint border post without real-time inter-connectivity between the two administrations. He noted that while physical infrastructure — including lanes, parking areas, offices, weighbridge, and scanner housing — has long been completed, integration of customs systems remains the critical task.

“Without inter-connectivity, this is not a joint border post. It is a border post sharing a car park at best,” Adeniyi stated.

Key Features of the Modernisation Programme:
Real-time data exchange: Declarations lodged on one side will be visible on the other, enabling seamless transit tracking and shared enforcement alerts.

Trader support: A dedicated facility for women traders will simplify procedures for small consignments, provide multilingual information, and reduce harassment and extortion.

Enhanced security: Restoration of scanning capability, strengthened access control, surveillance, and lighting.

Joint governance: Harmonised bilingual SOPs covering cargo, passengers, inspection, and incident escalation, alongside a standing Nigeria–Benin enforcement and intelligence mechanism.

Benin Customs Director-General, Col. Raouf Malehhossou Aboudou, commended the initiative, describing it as pragmatic and purposeful in recalibrating joint operations to facilitate trans-border trade.

The Seme Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Abdullahi Shuaibu Kaila, also pledged the command’s commitment to supporting seamless trade across the corridor.

The launch event featured a facility inspection, demonstration of the border modernization solution, and a symbolic football match between the Seme Area Command team and Badagry United Football Club, with the Command securing a 2–0 victory.