TheCable

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) says it is in the final stages of integrating its data systems with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to block the illegal entry of vehicles into the country.

Adewale Adeniyi, acting comptroller-general of the NCS, spoke on Tuesday at the end of a two-day working visit by Alain Hinkanti, director-general of Benin Republic customs, to Nigeria.

Adeniyi said the Nigerian customs and its counterpart in Benin Republic are working to harmonise a list of banned goods to facilitate trade.

“We are currently in the final stages of integrating our IT systems with the federal road safety to curb illegal entry of vehicles,” he said.

“This integration will enhance our ability to monitor and regulate cross-border vehicle movements more effectively.

“Over the last 24 hours, we have been able to leverage our shared commitment to meaningful cooperation to consider and make progress on issues like managing transit of goods through the territories, the use of our ports by importers of the countries and the issue of prohibited goods.”

Customs of both countries signed an undertaking to work together in areas that will enhance smooth trade.

The undertakings signed are; “The development of a framework for Customs Clearance of Nigeria-bound goods at the Port of Cotonou and vice versa.

“The removal of barriers and other obstacles to legal trade. Enhance the proper use of international Transit Guidelines to govern transit-bound goods and fees from Cotonou Port to Nigeria.

“To fast-track the Integration of Nigeria into the interconnected System for the Management of Goods in Transit (SIGMAT).

“Both administrations will review the process of issuing loisse passé and payment of guarantees on vehicles. To promote good relations with border populations, professionalism and tax compliance.

“To revive the consultative frameworks of border customs units with the active participation of the private sector. To reactivate the joint committee for monitoring trade and transit relations.”

The Benin Republic customs specifically asked the Nigerian authorities to reverse its policy on border closure.

Nigeria closed its land borders in 2019 over the proliferation of illegal importation of drugs, small arms and agricultural products into Nigeria from neighbouring West African countries.

In 2020, former President Muhammadu Buhari ordered the reopening of borders in Seme Lagos, Illela in Sokoto, Maigatari in Jigawa, and Mfum in Cross River.