The Badagry Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (BACCIMA) has commended the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, and other security agencies for reducing the number of checkpoints between Lagos and the Seme–Benin Republic border to two.
BACCIMA President, Alhaji Yahaya Idris, gave the commendation in a statement issued on Sunday in Badagry.
According to Idris, the decision to limit checkpoints to Gbaji and Agbara will promote seamless trade, reduce extortion, and improve the efficiency of cross-border commerce along the Lagos–Abidjan trade corridor.
“BACCIMA, as the voice of businesses along the corridor and a staunch advocate for the reduction of multiple checkpoints, commends this bold move.
This will serve as a significant boost to the business community, particularly cross-border traders and logistics operators who have long faced delays, harassment, and financial losses,” he said.
Idris also thanked the new Customs Area Controller of the Seme Command, Comptroller Wale Adenuga, for his proactive leadership, improved discipline among officers, and strong collaboration with stakeholders.
He noted that the decision aligns with the objectives of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“It will foster trust among traders, enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness, and encourage legitimate cross-border trade,” he added.
Idris praised the customs leadership for consistently advocating trade facilitation during engagements with traditional rulers and stakeholders.
“In palaces and stakeholder meetings, his position has always been clear—trade should be facilitated without unnecessary hindrance,” he said.
He reaffirmed BACCIMA’s commitment to partnering with the Nigeria Customs Service and other security agencies to enhance capacity building, transparency, and economic growth along the Lagos–Abidjan corridor.
Background
The Federal Government, on Oct. 14, approved the reduction of checkpoints on the Lagos–Seme expressway to only two, in a bid to curb extortion, ensure smoother movement of goods and people, and maintain national security.
Comptroller Wale Adenuga of the Seme Area Command confirmed the approved checkpoints are at:
Gbaji, Badagry–Seme Expressway
Agbara, Ojoo Local Government Area, Lagos State
