Nigeria, Benin Launch SIGMAT to Drive Seamless Regional Trade
Kathy Kyari
In a significant move to enhance cross-border trade and regional cooperation, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Benin Republic Customs Administration on Monday officially launched the SIGMAT platform, a digital system designed to streamline customs operations between both countries.
The launch took place at the Seme-Krake joint border post, where Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, and his Beninese counterpart, Director General Mme. Adidjath Hassan Zanouvii, addressed key stakeholders, customs officers, and members of the press on Monday.
Speaking with optimism, CGC Adeniyi highlighted that the SIGMAT platform is not just a technological upgrade, but a strategic response to long standing trade bottlenecks that have hindered smooth commerce along the West African corridor.
"The implementation of the SIGMAT platform is designed to connect both customs services, aiming to remove some of the challenges faced by operators," Adeniyi stated.
He emphasized that the system, already deployed in seven other ECOWAS countries, has proven effective in simplifying transit operations and improving communication between customs authorities. Adeniyi added that officers have received specialized training and that collaboration with stakeholders is already underway.
“The system is resilient and intended to eliminate bottlenecks linked to international trade,” he noted, adding that SIGMAT can also integrate seamlessly with Nigeria’s own B'ODOGWU system.
Assuring stakeholders, he said, “We will ensure proper enlightenment and sensitization about the newly launched platform for further implementation. It will facilitate the movement of goods along the Lagos-Abidjan corridor.”
The Beninese Customs Director General, Mme. Adidjath Hassan Zanouvii described the SIGMAT rollout as a milestone in the region’s effort to harmonize customs processes and create an economically integrated West Africa.
She spoke passionately about the decade long journey to develop the SIGMAT platform and the broader vision it represents.
"I am sure you have heard some of the historical context of this project, which aims to digitalize and harmonize customs transit operations across our member states," she said. "Primarily, we want to improve the visibility of goods in transit. We want to combat diversion and fraud along the Nigeria-West corridor."
Mme. Zanouvii further highlighted the platform’s capacity to promote inter-agency collaboration and improve trade procedures at borders, saying, "For our stakeholders, we want to simplify procedures at the borders and, by doing so, reduce delays."
She underscored the shared ambition between both nations: “Most importantly, we want to ensure that trade fosters revenue and prosperity. We want to enhance trade facilitation between our two countries.”
The system is already operational in countries such as Niger, Côte d'Ivoire, Mali, Ghana, and Togo, with backing from the ECOWAS Commission and the German Development Cooperation Agency.
For Nigeria, the SIGMAT platform is seen as a vital step in aligning with global customs standards and modernizing trade infrastructure.
“We have some achievements to highlight,” Mme. Zanouvii noted. “These include the development of SIGMAT, which is currently a standalone system tailored for the Nigerian customs landscape; the successful testing of real time transit message exchange between Nigeria and our colleagues in Benin Republic; the marking and anonymization of entry and exit itineraries at this particular border station; the establishment of direct connectivity to the ECOWAS electronic hub, ensuring regional interoperability; and strengthened collaboration through various technical meetings.”
She acknowledged that challenges remain, particularly the need for widespread training and engagement but emphasized that these hurdles are being addressed.
"We must implement a robust stakeholder engagement strategy to ensure that we include not only our economic operators but also other government agencies involved in this process," she said.
Looking forward, both leaders expressed hope for the future of SIGMAT. Nigeria plans to extend the platform to more border posts, including Ndiru, Chikanga, and a new site in Sanya. There's also a commitment to build capacity and form a task force that will oversee deployment and ensure challenges are swiftly addressed.
“We will continue to engage with the ECOWAS SIGMAT steering committee to share lessons learned and support other members in their implementation journeys,” Mme. Zanouvii said.
she emphasized that technology alone cannot achieve the full potential of regional integration.
“Today’s launch is more than just a technical achievement. It is a powerful demonstration of rigorous legality and institutional leadership. I urge us all to join in making this milestone a transformative step to turn our trade corridors into engines of prosperity, security, and opportunity for the people of West Africa.
“Let us remind ourselves that elaborate buildings and infrastructure like the one we are jointly occupying will not, on their own, facilitate trade, harmonize processes, interconnect systems, or enhance our collaborative spirit to address issues between us," she concluded.
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