Customs Boss Expresses Fear Over Bilateral Connectivity With Benin Republic

The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Col. Hameed Ali (rtd) on Thursday , expressed worries over the introduction of the Nigeria – Benin interconnectivity trade platform, saying that the process  could lead to increased smuggling within the border post if not properly enhanced.

Col. Ali who made this known during the official flag off of the platform in Seme /Krake border post , called on the customs administrations of both countries to block all entry and exit points between the two nations to forestall illegal trading.

According to him,”This will bring an end to illicit trade and this will also , if we are not careful, be an avenue for smuggling because the system cannot be falsified.

“Both the Benin and Nigeria Customs must heighten our fight against smuggling. We must block all entrances and all exits against smuggling and that will help us to maximise the use of this technology.

Lauding the initiative, the Customs boss said that the technology would help increase facilitation as well as solving the problem of fake documentation within the corridor.

“We are here to launch this very important connectivity. It is very important in the sense that it is one means of ICT that will not only heighten facilitation of trade but will also solve the problem of fake documentation within our border.

“For us, it is a unique development for the two brother countries. Today”s momentous achievement is a vehicle for fast processing of trade therefore, may I implore you to give us the maximum cooperation that your documentation is correct.

“This system will weed out all false documentation, the system will help to identify if what you have posted is right or wrong.

He also called on the trading partners to present correct documentations to avoid delays and to fast track trade at the land borders.

“If you want quick processing of your document, you must ensure that your documents are true. Let us use the opportunity of this to fastrack our trade and ensure that we are doing what is right.

“This will bring an end to illicit trade and this will also bring if we are not careful, be an avenue for smuggling because the system cannot be falsified.

“Both the Benin and Nigeria Customs must heighten our fight against smuggling. We must block all entrances and all exits against smuggling and that will help us to maximise the use of this technology.

Also speaking at the event, Director General of Benin Customs, Sacca Boco Innousa Charles lauded the initiative, even as he lauded Webb Fontaine, the company providing technical back end support for the project.

He said his country is proud to associate with Nigeria and uses Nigeria that is well known to describe itself.