The Federal Government has restricted checkpoiin the Mile 2—Seme border route to just two in a new push to tackle extortion and ease trade flow.
The directive, announced by the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi designates the Agbara and Gbaji posts as the only approved checkpoints for Customs operations between Lagos and the Seme border. Any other roadblock mounted along the 75-kilometre stretch, officials warned, is illegal.
The Mile 2–Seme corridor serves as a major artery for trade between Nigeria and the Republic of Benin, linking Lagos to several West African markets.
The route has become notorious for corruption and harassment, with traders and drivers facing up to 70 illegal checkpoints. Each point of stoppage often comes with demands for bribes ranging from ₦2,000 to ₦5,000, pushing transporters’ unofficial expenses to over ₦350,000 on a single trip.
Comptroller of the Seme Area Command, Wale Adenuga reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to fully enforce the new directive.
He stressed that Customs officers found operating outside the approved checkpoints would face disciplinary action, as part of ongoing efforts to restore order and integrity to border operations.
Stakeholders have long raised concerns about the negative impact of multiple checkpoints on the economy. Importers and exporters say the extortion not only inflates the cost of goods but also discourages legitimate cross-border trade.
Transporters often report harassment by various uniformed personnel, including Customs, Police, and other security agencies stationed along the corridor.
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The Federal Government’s decision is seen as a direct response to mounting public frustration. It also aligns with broader efforts to enhance regional trade competitiveness under the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme and the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Adeniyi emphasized that the Customs Service, working in collaboration with other security agencies, would ensure strict compliance with the new measure to promote transparency, accountability, and ease of movement along the international route.
The move follows earlier attempts to streamline border checkpoints. In January 2025, security stakeholders had approved four checkpoints, but the plan suffered poor implementation, with illegal posts quickly resurfacing.
The new restriction to two points is expected to bring renewed focus to enforcement and monitoring.
Residents, traders, and commuters are encouraged to report any unauthorized checkpoints beyond Agbara and Gbaji to the appropriate authorities.
The success of the initiative, analysts say, will depend largely on government’s willingness to hold erring officers accountable and maintain a consistent enforcement mechanism.
With this renewed effort, the Federal Government hopes to restore confidence in Nigeria’s border systems, cut down on corruption, and stimulate economic growth through a more transparent and efficient trade environment.
Crediblenewsng.com
