By Femi Anamelechi.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Seme Area Command, has pledged unwavering commitment to facilitating legitimate trade, strengthening border security and deepening regional cooperation with the Republic of Benin.The Customs Area Comptroller, Seme Area Command, Comptroller Abdullahi Kaila, gave the assurance on Wednesday, 4 November 2026, while receiving the Ambassador-design of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to the Republic of Benin, Her Excellency Mopelola Adeola-Ibrahim, during her visit to the Seme-Krake Joint Border Post.The Comptroller described the joint border post as a practical demonstration of cooperation between Nigerian and Beninese border agencies. He explained that the platform facilitates legitimate trade, promotes the free movement of persons and strengthens coordinated security operations. He also reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to professionalism and the welfare of border users, pointing out that their dignity and well-being remained a priority.Responding, the Ambassador-designcalled for more efficient trade operations and enhanced security along the Lagos-Abidjan corridor, describing the Seme-Krake Joint Border Post as a strategic gateway for regional trade, mobility and economic integration in West Africa.
Conveying the goodwill of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, she expressed Nigeria’s appreciation to the Government and people of the Republic of Benin for sustaining the longstanding bilateral relationship between both countries. She noted that the joint border post represented a shared commitment to ensuring the free, safe and efficient movement of people, goods, services and capital across the region.“I bring warm greetings from His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. I also convey Nigeria’s deep appreciation to the governments and people of the Republic of Benin for their continued commitment to strengthening the historic bonds of friendship, good mobility and shared prosperity between our two countries,” she said.The Ambassador-designate further disclosed that her recent engagement with the Director-General of Benin Customs focused on challenges contributing to cargo delays at the Autonomous Port of Cotonou. The ambassador further expressed her commendations to the ECOWAS Commission and other stakeholders for ongoing efforts to upgrade equipment, improve signage, strengthen monitoring systems and establish technical structures to support the Joint Border Management Committee.
