9By Sandra Chukwunyere The Lagos-Abidjan ECOWAS Corridor, a vital trade route, has been plagued by the proliferation of illegal security checkpoints, causing frustration and economic losses for traders, residents, and travelers. These unauthorized checkpoints have become a significant threat to regional commerce and national image.
The Seme Customs Command, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has expressed concern over this development,taking the lead in addressing the issue. For instance, traders and travelers have reported being subjected to humiliating stops, questioning, and delays, which have resulted in significant economic losses and damage to Nigeria’s reputation.
In a bid to tackle the problem, Comptroller Wale Adenuga, Customs Area Controller, Seme Command, convened a stakeholders’ summit on Monday, October 6, 2025, in Lagos. The summit brought together various stakeholders, including freight forwarders, traditional rulers, and personnel from security agencies, to discuss the challenges and find solutions.
Comptroller Adenuga condemned the numerous security checkpoints along the corridor, describing them as a nightmare for traders, tourists, and travelers.
He emphasized that the management of the service is working assiduously to reduce the number of checkpoints and restore sanity to the route. Specifically, he noted that the Seme Command of Customs has identified several unauthorized checkpoints and is working with security agencies to dismantle them.
One of the major challenges highlighted at the summit is the presence of unauthorized “camp boys” who have been accused of extorting money from traders and travelers, as well as engaging in harassment and corruption.
These individuals have been operating with impunity, using the corridor as a means to enrich themselves through illicit means.
Comptroller Adenuga has warned security agencies without a legitimate business to steer clear of the corridor and has outlawed the “camp boys” from the main roads. The Seme Command of Customs has also established a task force to monitor the corridor and apprehend any unauthorized individuals or groups engaging in extortion or harassment.
The Customs boss emphasized the need for collective honesty and cooperation among stakeholders to address the challenges plaguing the border axis.
He stressed that facilitating legitimate trade is crucial for the country’s economic growth and that reducing checkpoints is essential to achieving this goal. Comptroller Adenuga reiterated that the Seme Command of Customs is committed to making the corridor a safe and secure route for traders and travelers.
He called on all stakeholders to work together to identify and address the root causes of the problem, including corruption, extortion, and harassment.
The summit also highlighted the disparity in border control between the Benin Republic and Nigeria. While the Benin Republic side has a more streamlined process for intervening in vehicles suspected of conveying questionable items, Nigeria’s side is crippled by rampant extortion, harassment, and corruption.
Comptroller Adenuga noted that the Benin Republic side has a more efficient system in place, which has contributed to smoother border controls. He emphasized that Nigeria can learn from the Benin Republic’s experience and implement similar measures to improve border control and reduce corruption.
Frustrations were expressed by Hon. Joseph Agoro, a grassroots politician, who blasted the presence of unofficial camp boys hired by security forces, accusing them of terrorizing residents and travelers.
He called on the Customs to intervene immediately to address this issue.
The Nigerian Ambassador to Benin Republic, Ambassador Olukayode Olugbenga Aluko, represented by the Defense Attaché, Colonel S. Yahaya, assured
