The Badagry Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (BACCIMA) has commended the Federal Government and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for their decision to limit security and customs checkpoints between Mile 2 and Seme Border to just two — located at Gbaji and Agbara respectively.
The Chamber described the move as a “bold and progressive step” toward promoting seamless trade facilitation, reducing extortion, and improving the ease of doing business along the Lagos–Abidjan trade corridor, which forms a crucial part of the ECOWAS and AfCFTA regional trade network.
In a statement issued in Badagry on Tuesday, Alhaji Yahaya Oladiran Idris, President of BACCIMA and National Vice President (NACCIMA) on International Development, lauded the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Alhaji Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, for the decisive policy announced on October 14, 2025.
“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,” Idris stated.
For years, cross-border traders and logistics operators along the corridor have complained about multiple checkpoints, delays, and harassment by security operatives. The development, according to BACCIMA, would significantly ease the movement of goods and people, reduce costs, and restore confidence in Nigeria’s trade environment.
The Chamber also gave special recognition to the Customs Area Controller of Seme Command, Comptroller Wale Adenuga, for his “proactive leadership and renewed sense of discipline” among officers since assuming duty about a month ago.
BACCIMA noted that Comptroller Adenuga has been a consistent advocate for removing unnecessary roadblocks and enhancing trade facilitation. His engagements with traditional rulers, traders, and transporters, the Chamber added, have fostered stronger cooperation between the Customs Service and local communities.
“Since his resumption, Comptroller Adenuga has been at the forefront of preaching against multiple checkpoints by security agencies along the Lagos–Abidjan corridor. His message in stakeholders’ meetings and traditional institutions has been clear — trade facilitation without hindrance from any quarter,” Idris added.
Reaffirming its commitment to inclusive economic development, BACCIMA pledged continued collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service, other border agencies, and the AfCFTA Coordinating Office to promote transparency, capacity building, and a business-friendly environment for traders and investors.
“BACCIMA remains committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure that cross-border trade contributes meaningfully to Nigeria’s economic growth and regional integration,” the statement concluded.
The Chamber, which serves as the umbrella body for businesses along the Lagos–Seme–Abidjan route, has long been at the forefront of advocacy for the reduction of multiple checkpoints and trade bottlenecks that stifle economic activity in the region.
