The Area Controller, Seme Command of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Comptroller Wale Adenuga, has said that the proliferation of checkpoints on the Lagos-Badagry corridor was detrimental to trade facilitation.
He made this known during a courtesy visit by the executive members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Lagos State Council, to the Seme Border Command, on Thursday.
While receiving the NUJ delegation, Adenuga described the numerous checkpoints as a major obstacle to seamless trade, warning that the situation could discourage genuine business transactions within the region.
“I want to categorically state that we have far too many checkpoints operated by various security agencies along the Badagry axis.
“Most of these checkpoints should not exist in the first place.
“This development is quite embarrassing and could have serious negative implications for the country’s economy.
“The business community may begin to shy away from trading with Nigeria due to these unnecessary bottlenecks,” Adenuga said.
According to him, beyond trade, Badagry is a location rich in history and tourism potential, both of which could serve as additional revenue streams for the country if properly harnessed.
The comtroller said that only two official checkpoints; Gbagi and Agbara, were recognised by the Customs management, while the others were illegal and counterproductive.
Adenuga also reiterated the command’s unwavering commitment to enhancing revenue generation and reducing smuggling to its barest minimum.
He revealed that under his leadership, the command generated about ₦1.5 billion as revenue last month, representing a 182 per cent increase.
The custom’s boss added that the command was on track to generate close to ₦2 billion for the month of October.
Adenuga stressed the need for sustained public enlightenment to educate Nigerians and business operators on the negative impact of multiple checkpoints, particularly how they contribute to increased prices of goods.
Describing the NUJ’s visit as a morale booster, Adenuga noted that such engagements offered an opportunity to showcase achievements and identify areas needing improvement.
In response, the NUJ Chairman, Ajayi, described the visit as a home-coming.
Ajayi commended the achievements of the Seme Command and lauded the leadership of the Nigeria Customs Service.
“I bring greetings from over 7,000 journalists in Lagos State.
We commend the Nigeria Customs Service at the Seme Border, Badagry, for its dedication, professionalism and the remarkable strides it is making toward securing our borders and facilitating legitimate trade.
“We also confirm that we saw multiple checkpoints along the Badagry-Seme corridor and this must be looked into urgently.
“Your efforts in combating smuggling, increasing revenue and promoting cross-border cooperation are truly commendable.
“You have set a standard of excellence, and we appreciate your contributions to national development and security,” he said.
He described the Seme border as one of Nigeria’s most strategic trade gateways and lauded the customs officers stationed there for their consistency and resilience in the face of challenges.
“In spite the high traffic at this post, the customs officers continue to demonstrate professionalism.
“Their enhanced surveillance systems, improved inspection protocols, and adherence to global best practices have contributed significantly to curbing smuggling and illicit trade,” the NUJ chairman said.
Ajayi further commended the command’s role in revenue generation, noting that their commitment to accurate valuation, proper documentation and curbing revenue leakages had significantly contributed to Nigeria’s economic stability.
On security, he emphasised the role of the NCS in safeguarding the nation’s borders, intercepting contraband, arms and other dangerous goods, as well as collaborating effectively with other security agencies to combat transnational crimes such as human and drug trafficking.
As part of the visit, Ajayi was presented with a plaque by the comptroller in recognition of his contributions to national development.
Freedomonline reports that other members of the NUJ delegation included Philip Nwosu, Vice Chairman, Tunde Olalere, Secretary, and Olayide Awosanya, Assistant Secretary.
Others were Oluwakemi
Ishola, Internal Auditor, Alaba Igbaroola Ex-Officio and Gbenga Fatile, Chairman, Lagos NUJ Media Investment Committee.
