Nigeria Customs Calls for Cross-Border Cooperation to Boost Legal Trade at Idiroko-Igolo Corridor

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun I Command, has appealed to stakeholders in the Idiroko-Igolo border corridor to strengthen collaboration and streamline procedures that support lawful trade.

The appeal was made during a strategic stakeholder engagement meeting led by Comptroller Godwin Otunla, aimed at improving trade facilitation and cross-border cooperation between Nigeria and the Republic of Benin.

Comptroller Otunla emphasized the economic and diplomatic importance of Nigeria's trade relationship with the Republic of Benin, noting that improving border operations would benefit the entire West African sub-region.

“This corridor is critical to regional trade. We must work together to eliminate barriers that stifle lawful commerce,” Otunla stated during the meeting held at the Command's conference room.

According to a press statement signed by Chado Zakari, Public Relations Officer for the Command, the engagement brought together key stakeholders, including:

• Benin Republic Customs Authority

• Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA)

• Freight forwarding associations

• Border liaison officers

• Business and trade association leaders from both countries

Challenges Affecting Border Trade

Stakeholders outlined several pressing issues hampering trade across the corridor. These included:

• Excessive checkpoints and border delays

• Poor road infrastructure

• Insufficient container handling facilities

• Tariff and non-tariff barriers

• Ineffective dispute resolution processes

• Persistent security threats

Otunla acknowledged the challenges and noted that the session was not only for feedback but also for developing actionable solutions to strengthen legitimate trade practices.

“This meeting is about honest dialogue and creating a shared roadmap for smooth, safe, and legal trade,” he said.

In a show of progress, the Command unveiled a one-hectare logistics space capable of holding over 30 containers, aimed at easing congestion and improving the efficiency of freight movement along the corridor.

Comptroller Otunla assured participants of his commitment to implementing agreed resolutions in line with the policy direction of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.

“I pledge to utilize all powers within my office to implement the resolutions reached during this engagement,” he concluded.