The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) have stepped up efforts to modernise Nigeria’s border corridors with Benin Republic and Cameroon to facilitate cross-border trade and accelerate the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The proposed programme is expected to improve cargo movement, strengthen information sharing among Customs administrations, eliminate duplicative border procedures and enhance the efficiency of legitimate trade across the three countries.
The discussions took place at Afreximbank’s headquarters in Cairo, Egypt, during a high-level working engagement led by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, according to a statement issued by the Service.
The meeting brought together representatives of the Customs administrations of Nigeria, Benin and Cameroon, Afreximbank and technical partners to review findings from a joint benchmarking mission to the Beitbridge Border Post in Zimbabwe and technical assessments of the Mfum–Ekok and Sèmè–Kraké border corridors.
Participants examined priority infrastructure and operational improvements, harmonisation of Customs procedures, digital connectivity and possible financing arrangements for a coordinated regional border-modernisation programme.
The proposed interventions include cargo scanners, weighbridges, access roads, reliable electricity, improved internet connectivity, traffic-management systems and modern border-processing facilities. Investments in cybersecurity, staff capacity and secure data exchange are also being considered.
A major focus of the discussions was the proposed Customs Declaration Exchange System (CDES), which is designed to facilitate secure information exchange among Nigeria’s B’Odogwu platform, Benin’s Customs Webb and Cameroon’s CAMCIS.
The system is expected to enable export information generated in one country to support the advance preparation of import-manifest information in the receiving country, thereby reducing repetitive documentation and making cross-border transactions more predictable.
However, the receiving Customs administration would retain responsibility for validating information, enforcing national requirements, conducting risk assessments and authorising cargo clearance.
Although the system has undergone development and technical testing, further country-specific configuration, systems integration, security checks and pilot acceptance are required before deployment.
The technical assessments also identified infrastructure and operational deficiencies at the two priority border corridors that need to be addressed for the programme to achieve its objectives.
At the Mfum–Ekok border between Nigeria and Cameroon, the review identified shortcomings in electricity supply, internet connectivity, information technology equipment, cybersecurity and technical support. The commissioning of cargo scanners and improved coordination of single-stop border processing were also highlighted as priorities.
At the Sèmè–Kraké border between Nigeria and Benin, challenges included incomplete joint operating procedures, limited live data exchange, non-functional cargo-scanning and weighing facilities, unreliable electricity, traffic congestion and inconsistent operating hours.
Participants also identified unresolved responsibilities for maintaining shared infrastructure as an issue requiring attention.
Drawing lessons from the Beitbridge Border Post, the meeting emphasised the importance of treating modern border facilities as integrated operational systems rather than isolated infrastructure projects.
The Zimbabwean model demonstrated the benefits of traffic segmentation, pre-arrival processing, risk-based controls, cargo scanning, electronic payments, transit monitoring, information technology command centres and effective maintenance and governance arrangements.
To advance the initiative, Afreximbank proposed a two-stage project-preparation process, beginning with independent engineering assessments and investment-cost studies at the two border posts.
The second stage would involve developing separate bankable project packages for the Nigeria–Benin and Nigeria–Cameroon corridors.
The preparatory process is expected to cover transaction advisory services, legal due diligence, financial modelling and the identification of suitable implementation and financing arrangements.
Afreximbank also outlined the potential use of its Project Preparation Facility, while technical partners TMP and Bergmans Security Consultants and Supplies Limited expressed willingness in principle to consider self-financing the preparatory work.
However, the meeting did not establish a final project cost, lending commitment, designated borrower, financing arrangement or implementation contract.
Participants agreed on the need for direct site inspections, designated technical focal points, a clear one-, three- and six-month implementation roadmap, and a dated action matrix to guide subsequent engagements.
The discussions also considered Afreximbank’s potential participation in the next Customs Partnership for African Cooperation in Trade (C-PACT), alongside progress towards regional and continental transit-guarantee arrangements designed to facilitate the movement of goods across African borders.
The Nigeria Customs Service reaffirmed its commitment to working with its counterparts in Benin and Cameroon, Afreximbank and technical partners to advance the necessary assessments and develop sustainable solutions for the two corridors.
The initiative forms part of broader efforts to strengthen coordinated border management, improve cargo visibility and streamline cross-border procedures in support of AfCFTA’s objective of deepening intra-African trade.
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