Following the need to conscientiously promote and strengthen inter-border trade, the Nigerian security agencies dotted around the Seme- Krake border routes, have had a joint agreement to reduce the number of checkpoints along the axis.
At the Joint Border Security Meeting held yesterday, the heads of security agencies from the Nigeria Customs Service, The Nigeria Police Force, The Nigeria Immigration Service,The Nigerian Army and other key agencies were all in attendance.
The reason for this meeting and the decisions taken therewith are that the multiplicity of checkpoints have hindered cross-border trade to a large extent due to unscrupulous agents at those stations engaging in extortion and other corrupt practices. This had put the agencies under the searchlight and heavy criticism.
Speaking at the meeting to members the press, the Area controller of Seme Customs Command and Chairman of the Joint Border Security Team, Comptroller Dera Nnadi mni, he restated for clarity that the Joint Border Security Team was made up of all relevant security agencies operating at the border; a combination of both military, para- military organizations and the Chairman of the Badagry Local Government.
Speaking further, he said that the Customs had set the ball rolling by collapsing most of its’ checkpoints and the other agencies were unanimously resolute to do the same. The Police although had to get back to their leadership but from all quarters, the appraisal of the issue was taken and solutions for immediate were proffered.
Communications to the Nigerian mission in Benin republic, Nigerians in Benin republic and the citizens of Benin republic were also underway. This was to elucidate the benefits of trade along the corridor and mutual benefits for all concerned.
In attendance were members from the Nigerian Shippers Council and a representative of the Nigerian ambassador to Benin republic, Olukayode Olugbenga Aluko.
With the elimination of more checkpoints, Nnnadj assured that it was immediate and more enhanced intelligence mechanisms were already laid down for control against smuggling and cross- border crimes.
He noted the removal of fuel subsidy in Nigeria had made the price of petrol go up in Nigeria compared to that of the border town of Seme. This, he hoped would positively deter the smuggling of petrol from Nigeria through the Seme border.
The meeting was held amid the challenge of the threatened strike action of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC). The agencies commended the Government’s swift intervention on the aversion.
Prior to the meeting, journalists had observed 22 checkpoints between Badagry roundabout and the Seme border post, 9 of which were manned by the Nigeria Police and commercial drivers having to pay bribes there without any routine inspection. The representative of the Police Force refused to comment on this observation as he stated that he had no authority to speak to journalists on the matter.
