BACCIMA commends FG, Customs on reduction of checkpoints between Mile 2 and Seme Border

The Badagry Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (BACCIMA) has stated that the reduction of checkpoints between Mile 2 and Seme Border by the Federal Government of Nigeria is a significant boost to the business community, particularly cross-border traders and logistics operators who have long faced challenges due to multiple checkpoints, delays, and harassment along the road.

BACCIMA President, Alhaji Yahaya Oladiran Idris, made this known while expressing deep appreciation to the government and the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Alhaji Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, for the decisive step to limit checkpoints between Mile 2 to Seme Border to just two checkpoints at Gbaji and Agbara respectively.

Alhaji Yahaya Oladiran Idris said “the decision, announced by the CGC on October 14, 2025, marks a major stride toward promoting seamless trade facilitation, reducing extortion, and enhancing the efficiency of cross-border commerce along the Lagos–Abidjan trade corridor.

“BACCIMA, as the voice of businesses along the Corridor and a staunch advocacy for the reduction of multiple check points along the axis, commended this bold move as a significant boost to the business community, particularly cross-border traders and logistics operators who have long faced challenges due to multiple checkpoints, delays, and harassment along the route.

“The Chamber also extends special recognition to the new Customs Area Controller of the Seme Command, Comptroller Wale Adenuga, for his proactive leadership, renewed sense of discipline among officers, and close collaboration with stakeholders to ensure that trade operations remain smooth and compliant with national and ECOWAS protocols.”

Speaking further on the development, Alhaji Yahaya Oladiran Idris, who is also the National Vice President of NACCIMA on International Development, said “This is a very welcome development that aligns perfectly with the objectives of ECOWAS and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). It will foster trust among traders, strengthen Nigeria’s competitiveness, and encourage legitimate trade activities across our borders.”

He noted that Comptroller Wale Adenuga, on resumption a month ago, has been in forefront of preaching against multiple check points by the security agencies along Lagos-Abidjan Corridor trade route.

In the Obas palaces and meetings with the stakeholders, his has been trade facilitation without any hindrance from any quarter.

BACCIMA reaffirms its readiness to continue partnering with the Nigeria Customs Service, other border security agencies, AfCFTA Coordinating Office, and other relevant public and Private agencies to promote capacity building, transparency, and Cross-Border traders to promote economic growth along the Lagos–Abidjan trade corridor.