Ogun Customs calls for synergy, pledges seamless business activities along border corridor

The Ogun I Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has urged all relevant stakeholders to synergize with the Command in streamlining business processes to foster the smooth flow of legitimate trade across the corridor.

The Comptroller, Godwin Otunla, made the call during a stakeholder engagement session focused on enhancing trade facilitation along the Idiroko-Igolo border corridor.

The event which was held at the Command’s conference room, was attended by 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.

This was disclosed in a statement signed by the Command’s public relations officer, Chado Zakari, and made available to newsmen on Saturday.

According to the statement, the 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 bilateral engagements but also to the broader West African sub-region.

While acknowledged existing challenges hindering trade such as border inefficiencies, regulatory bottlenecks, and insecurity, Otunla noted that 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.

The stakeholders also highlighted 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 as part of impediments affecting business activities.

Meanwhile, Otunla reaffirmed his commitment, cooperation and collaboration in line with the policy thrust of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.

“I pledge to utilize all powers within my office to implement the resolutions reached during this engagement,” he said.

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.