Ogun I Customs Boss Pledges Seamless Trade Along Idiroko-Igolo Corridor
Author: Lucy Nyambi.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun I Area Command, has reaffirmed its commitment to facilitating seamless trade along the Idiroko–Igolo border corridor.
In a press release issued on Friday, 16 May 2025, by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Deputy Superintendent of Customs Chado Zakari, the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Godwin Otunla, gave this assurance during a high-level stakeholder engagement session.
The event, held at the Command’s conference room, brought together key players in cross-border trade, including representatives of the Benin Republic Customs Authority, trade associations, business leaders, clearing agents from both Nigeria and Benin Republic, the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), and Customs liaison officers.
In his opening remarks, Comptroller Otunla underscored the importance of Nigeria-Benin economic ties, stating that the relationship is vital to bilateral cooperation and critical to economic integration.
“We share a long history of trade and economic cooperation, which must continue to thrive in a secure and orderly environment,” he said.
He acknowledged persistent challenges impeding trade, such as border inefficiencies, regulatory bottlenecks, and security concerns, which, he stressed, must be addressed to restore the vibrant commercial activity seen before the border closure.
Otunla noted that the meeting aimed to foster open dialogue, identify barriers, and co-create practical, implementable solutions to support lawful trade along the Igolo–Idiroko. “I pledge to utilise all powers within my office to implement the resolutions reached during this engagement,” he affirmed.
During the interactive session, stakeholders highlighted key issues affecting trade at the border, including multiple checkpoints, poor road infrastructure, inadequate space for container handling, tariff and non-tariff barriers, lack of effective dispute resolution mechanisms, and ongoing security threats.
Following the discussions, participants inspected a one-hectare site allocated by the Command, which can accommodate over 30 containers—a significant infrastructural step towards easing cargo movement.
Stakeholders expressed optimism, agreeing that with the measures and assurances provided by the Command, Idiroko is poised for a resurgence in legitimate cross-border trade.
