Vincent Toritseju
30 January 2018, Sweetcrude, Lagos — The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, yesterday commenced moves to enhance an effective and efficient border security management along the Nigerian and Benin Republic borders.
Speaking at Joint Border Security Forum in Cotonou, the Republic of Benin, Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Benin, Ambassador Kayode Oguntuase said that the idea behind the synergy was to create a harmonious working relationship between the Mission and all the border control agencies, establish regular consultation, cooperation and a common mechanism for sharing information.
Oguntuase also said that facilitation of the smooth movement of people, goods and services along the Nigeria/Benin Republic borders without compromising Nigeria security and National interest will also be enhanced.
He explained that because Seme Krake, Idiroko and by extension, Owode border posts remain the Nigeria commercial gateway to ECOWAS countries, particularly the Lagos-Abidjan economic corridor, the need for a more enhanced security patrol.
He said:“Some of the economic and security challenges along the Nigeria/Benin borders to include massive smuggling activities of prohibited and restricted items through the Nigeria land borders, Proliferation of small arms and light weapons, human trafficking, Illicit drug trafficking, Piracy, Illegal bunkering, oil theft and International terrorism.
“The mission is working assiduously to ensure the promotion, facilitation and enforcement of ECOWAS trade liberalization Scheme as this will increase the smooth movement of goods and products produced within the two countries into Nigeria and Benin Republic respectively.”
He disclosed that the mission’s effort in repositioning the border agencies for improved performance, as frantic efforts were being made along with the relevant agencies including the Nigeria government, E.U, ECOWAS and the Beninese authorities to ensure the joint border post is commissioned without further delay.
