Customs Area Controller Holds Key Meeting With Stakeholders To Boost Nigeria-Benin Cross-Border Trade

Ogun. 1 Customs Command CAC, Shuaibu, addressing stakeholders on Monday at Idiroko Customs CommandL-R Benin Igolo plateau Province CAC, Col.Sognonou Jean Paul,CAC,Ogun 1 Customs Command, Idiroko, MS Shuaibu and another Benin Customs officer,at the Stakeholders meeting at Idiroko on Monday,March 3,2025.

By Frank Odinukaeze 

On Monday, 3 March 2025, the Customs Area Controller of Ogun 1 Area Command, Comptroller MS Shuaibu, hosted a significant meeting with stakeholders at the Nigeria-Benin border. The gathering focused on addressing and finding solutions to the challenges hindering the smooth flow of legitimate trade between the two nations through the Idiroko and Igolo border posts.

Ogun. 1 Customs Command CAC, Shuaibu, addressing stakeholders on Monday at Idiroko Customs Command

In his opening remarks, Comptroller Shuaibu expressed his pleasure and honor in welcoming representatives from the Benin Republic Customs Authority, key government agencies, trade associations, business leaders, and other stakeholders. He emphasized the importance of collaboration, dialogue, and collective action in overcoming the challenges facing trade between Nigeria and Benin.

Highlighting the vital economic relationship between the two countries, Comptroller Shuaibu noted that both nations share a rich history of trade and economic cooperation. He stressed the need for secure and orderly trade to continue thriving in the region, despite the hurdles such as border issues, regulatory challenges, and security concerns.

The meeting aimed to engage stakeholders in meaningful discussions to identify barriers and develop practical solutions to facilitate legitimate trade. Comptroller Shuaibu expressed confidence in the collective expertise of the attendees to create action plans that would improve trade and strengthen the relationship between Nigeria and Benin.

Throughout the session, stakeholders had the opportunity to share insights, engage in frank discussions, and address the root causes of delays and inefficiencies in cross-border trade. The goal was to ensure that both countries continue to benefit from their trade interactions, fostering economic growth, job creation, and prosperity.

In his closing remarks, Comptroller Shuaibu expressed his sincere gratitude for the participation and commitment of all attendees. He called for a spirit of cooperation and partnership to strengthen the economic ties between Nigeria and Benin, contributing to regional integration and sustainable development.

In his response,his counterpart from the Benin Republic ,Col. Sognonou Jean Paul,who spoke through an interpreter,expressed delight for the meeting, stressing that the joint meeting would further strengthen trade between the two countries.

He assured that his country will give their maximum cooperation in ensuring the facilitation of trade along the border corridor, adding that Customs every where in the  world  is same,with the same objective of generating revenue while also facilitating trade

He said the 3 key functions of Customs are Revenue Collection,, Trade facilitation and Anti Smuggling , stressing that Customs must key into this.

He said for the relationship to function properly, the aims and Objectives of this must be properly outlined and Achieved.

He  Confirmed that there has definitely. been some improvement due largely to efforts by both sides

He advised that both sides must Contribute wholeheartedly for any meaningful result to be achieved.

He added that promotion of trade facilitation must be strictly adhered to ,and both sides must be seen to work together .

He opined that the Igolo – Idirolo border must be used to facilitate goods movement,since the Niger/ Benin border is closed for now.

Col.Sognonou ,the Igolo plateau Province Customs boss,was accompanied to the meeting with  some of his officers, including Kpogbozan Raoul,Officer in charge of Evaluation,and Fadonougbo Marc,officer in charge of operations.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to enhancing the free movement of goods and services across the Nigeria-Benin border, paving the way for a brighter future for both nations.

The stakeholders meeting was attended by all the various clearing associations from both Benin and Nigeria, including Assistant Director DSS ,Danlam Dankaka and Dr.Bonny Abisogun Botoko, Secretary General Inter Border Forum.