New Security Measures: 4 Approved Checkpoints by Nigerian Police at Seme Border
The Seme border corridor, a vital trade route between Nigeria and Benin, has been plagued by numerous checkpoints, leading to significant concerns over extortion and impediments to commerce. Reports indicate that, at times, there have been as many as 200 checkpoints along this route, manned by various security agencies, including the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), and Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS).
In response to these challenges, the Comptroller-General of the NCS, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, announced efforts to streamline operations by reducing the number of Customs checkpoints from 60 to three between Seme and Mile 2. This initiative aimed to facilitate trade and reduce delays caused by multiple stops.
Despite these measures, subsequent investigations revealed that illegal checkpoints persisted along the corridor, with drivers alleging continued extortion and harassment. The proliferation of these unauthorized checkpoints has been attributed mainly to police officers, with reports of over 100 checkpoints during the day and more than 200 at night.
Stakeholders, including traders and clearing agents, have called for systemic reforms to combat corruption and ensure the free flow of goods and people along this critical trans-border trade route. They emphasize the need for government intervention to address the proliferation of illegal checkpoints and restore confidence in Nigeria’s trade environment.
As of now, while efforts have been made to reduce the number of official checkpoints, the issue of illegal roadblocks and extortion remains a significant concern for those utilizing the Seme border corridor.