Indications suggest that the Federal Government (FG) may be considering reopening Nigeria's border with Benin Republic. Vanguard Maritime Report has learned that the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), in conjunction with its Benin Republic counterpart, is finalizing arrangements to address the issues that led to the border closure.
Officials from both customs authorities are working on modalities to facilitate only legitimate trade across the Seme border and other border posts. The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Mr. Adewale Adeniyi, who has inspected the border posts, emphasized that President Bola Tinubu has the final decision on reopening the borders, noting that Customs has conveyed the concerns of border communities to him.
The Customs Area Comptroller of the Seme Border Command, Mr. Timi Bomodi, expressed the Command's eagerness for the border's reopening, stating that they are ready to abide by the government's decision. He added, "You are not more anxious than myself; we want the border opened as quickly as possible but it all depends on government."
An official from the Benin Customs Service, speaking anonymously, highlighted the significant impact of the border closure on their economy. They expressed readiness to accommodate the expected trade traffic once the border reopens, noting that the closure had led to considerable revenue loss.
National Vice President of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Mr. Segun Oduntan, stated that their members are eagerly awaiting the government's decision to reopen the border. Former Chairman of the Seme Border chapter of ANLCA, Mr. Lasisi Fanu, affirmed that members are prepared to embrace the anticipated border reopening.
