Nigeria, Benin Launch Joint Seme-Krake Border Assessment In Push For Seamless Trade
Nigeria, Benin Launch Joint Seme-Krake Border Assessment In Push For Seamless Trade
CG Adeniyi: “If Traders Can Trust Each Other Across Borders, Then Customs Must Too”.
By Success Okezie
In a historic move to reshape West African trade, Nigeria and Benin Republic on Friday, September 11, 2026, launched a joint assessment of the Seme-Krake border post* — a development the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, *Dr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, PhD*, described as the beginning of a new era of economic integration.
The high-profile exercise, which brought together the top leadership of both customs administrations, security agencies, traditional rulers, and trade operators, is aimed at breaking down barriers to legitimate trade and building a border that works for people, not against them.
Speaking at the launch, CG Adeniyi said the initiative was never just about infrastructure. It is about trust.
“This is designed to strengthen confidence between our two customs administrations, simplify cross-border trade, and ensure the seamless movement of legitimate goods and traders,” he stated.
He paid special tribute to the Director-General of Benin Customs, *Col. Raouf Malehhossou Aboudou*, for his immediate buy-in.
“Shortly after he assumed office, I called him with this idea. Some people would say ‘let me think about it.’ He didn’t. He called his lieutenants and said: this is in our interest, let’s support it. And he has not looked back,” Adeniyi recalled.
Drawing a parallel with everyday business, the CG said regulators must learn from traders themselves.
“We are demonstrating trust and confidence in each other. Traders trust themselves. You can sit in Lagos, order goods from Accra from someone you’ve never met, send money, and get your goods. If traders can extend that trust, then those of us who regulate trade must be able to do the same.”
The centerpiece of the new arrangement is an *interoperable computer system* jointly developed by Nigeria and Benin.
According to Adeniyi, the system will link the resources of both customs administrations in real time.
“It will simplify communication and transactions regardless of whether a trader from Benin is speaking French and paying in CFA, or a trader from Nigeria is speaking English and paying in Naira,” he explained.
He described technology as the driver of this integration.
“Once we allow technology to lead, it simplifies procedures and makes implementation faster. This joint assessment is the first major step toward making Seme-Krake a truly integrated, technology-driven border post.”
While optimistic, the Customs boss cautioned that this was not a magic solution to all border challenges. Rather, it is the foundation.
“If we get this right, we can build everything else on top of it,” he said.
A key next step, he noted, will be the *harmonization of prohibited and restricted goods lists*.
“What is dangerous to you must be dangerous to us. And what is dangerous to us must be dangerous to you. That common understanding is the beginning of meaningful economic integration.”
Adeniyi said stakeholders, technology providers, and service partners will be carried along to ensure the system is robust and reflects the realities of border operators.
He also recalled that *President Patrice Talon of Benin* had championed this vision long before becoming President, when he served as Minister of Finance. “He challenged us then to ensure that cooperation between our customs translates into real economic integration.”
Beyond trade, the NCS is rolling out welfare projects at Seme-Krake.
Adeniyi announced the construction of dedicated facilities to support women engaged in cross-border trade — aimed at providing a safer, more dignified environment and reducing harassment.
Other projects include a *mosque and sports facilities* to improve the wellbeing and interaction of customs personnel and border community members.
The DG of Benin Customs, Col. Raouf Malehhossou Aboudou, commended Dr. Adeniyi for his “pragmatic approach to reinventing trans-border trade.”
He assured Nigeria of Benin’s full cooperation, adding that officers on the Beninese side are ready to work hand-in-hand to make the new system succeed.
The Seme Area Controller, Comptroller Abdullahi Shuaibu Kaila*, and traditional rulers from both sides of the border also welcomed the initiative, pledging community support to ensure its success.
The event drew senior officials of both customs services, security agencies, community leaders, and representatives of trade associations.
Closing the session, CG Adeniyi expressed optimism that the Seme-Krake model could become a template for Africa.
“As the Kabiesi of Kraki said, we are here to witness the beginning of history. This is an adventurous first step, and I believe it will strengthen not just Nigeria-Benin relations, but the broader integration of African economies.”
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