In a candid reflection on Nigeria’s trade facilitation challenges, the Area Comptroller of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Seme Command, Comptroller Wale Adenuga, has raised a red flag over the proliferation of checkpoints along the Lagos–Badagry corridor, describing them as a major impediment to smooth trade flow and economic growth.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by the executive members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Lagos State Council, on Wednesday, Adenuga did not mince words in expressing concern about the situation, stressing that multiple checkpoints operated by various security agencies were undermining genuine business activities within the border region.
“We have far too many checkpoints along the Badagry axis, most of which are unnecessary and should not exist in the first place.
This development is not only embarrassing but has far-reaching economic consequences. It discourages traders, raises logistics costs, and sends the wrong signal to investors,” Adenuga lamented.
The Comptroller, whose command oversees one of Nigeria’s busiest border posts, warned that unchecked duplication of security posts could erode Nigeria’s competitiveness in the West African trade corridor, especially as neighboring countries improve their cross-border infrastructure and customs efficiency.
Adenuga revealed that only two checkpoints — Gbagi and Agbara — are officially recognized by Customs management, while others are considered illegal and counterproductive, creating unnecessary delays and additional costs for traders.
Beyond trade, he emphasized that Badagry holds immense historical and tourism value, which could be harnessed to generate non-oil revenue if bottlenecks are reduced and security operations are streamlined.
Reflecting on the Command’s performance, Adenuga disclosed that the Seme Command generated ₦1.5 billion in revenue last month, representing a 182% increase, and expressed optimism that October’s revenue could approach ₦2 billion. He attributed the success to the dedication of officers and improved surveillance systems.
“Trade facilitation is at the heart of Customs reform. But for us to sustain this momentum, we must create an enabling environment — free from unnecessary checkpoints and extortion — that encourages cross-border trade and compliance,” he said.
The Customs boss also called for continuous public enlightenment to educate traders and transporters on the negative effects of multiple checkpoints, especially their role in inflating the prices of goods transported through the corridor.
Receiving the journalists, Comptroller Adenuga described the NUJ visit as a morale booster, noting that engagements with the media help in showcasing Customs’ achievements and identifying operational areas needing improvement.
NUJ’s Reaction: Calls for Urgent Review of Security Checkpoints
Responding on behalf of the delegation, Mr. Adeleye Ajayi, Chairman of the NUJ Lagos State Council, commended the Customs Command for its professionalism and impressive strides in revenue generation, anti-smuggling operations, and trade facilitation.
“We observed multiple checkpoints along the Badagry–Seme route, and this issue deserves urgent attention.
The efficiency of the Customs Service must not be undermined by overlapping security operations,” Ajayi stated.
Ajayi described the visit as a homecoming for journalists, acknowledging the strategic importance of the Seme Border to Nigeria’s trade relations and national security. He lauded Customs officers for maintaining professionalism despite high traffic and operational pressure.
The NUJ Chairman highlighted the Command’s efforts in improving documentation processes, enhancing inspection protocols, and maintaining border integrity through collaboration with other security agencies. He noted that such efficiency was critical to Nigeria’s fight against smuggling, illicit trade, and cross-border crimes.
In recognition of the NUJ’s role in national development and its partnership with Customs in promoting transparency, Comptroller Adenuga presented a plaque of appreciation to Mr. Ajayi.
Other members of the NUJ delegation included Philip Nwosu (Vice Chairman), Tunde Olalere (Secretary), Olayide Awosanya (Assistant Secretary), Oluwakemi Ishola (Internal Auditor), Alaba Igbaroola (Ex-Officio), and Gbenga Faile (Chairman, Lagos NUJ Media Investment Committee).
The Lagos–Badagry corridor, once envisioned as a gateway for seamless West African trade, continues to struggle under the weight of multiple checkpoints and bureaucratic obstacles. Comptroller Adenuga’s call serves as a timely reminder that effective border management is not about quantity of enforcement points but quality of coordination.
If the Nigeria Customs Service and relevant security agencies can jointly streamline operations and dismantle redundant checkpoints, Nigeria could unlock a new era of cross-border efficiency, attract more legitimate traders, and reinforce investor confidence in the country’s trade facilitation reforms.
Nigeria Customs Comptroller Wale Adenuga urges urgent removal of multiple checkpoints on the Lagos–Badagry corridor, warning they threaten trade facilitation, raise costs, and undermine investor confidence.
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