Ogun I Customs Command Rallies Stakeholders to Boost Trade at Idiroko-Igolo Border
Kathy Kyari
The Ogun I Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, under the leadership of Comptroller GA Otunla, recently hosted a crucial stakeholder engagement session aimed at reviving and facilitating legitimate trade along the Idiroko-Igolo border corridor.
Held at the Command’s conference room, the event brought together a diverse mix of stakeholders deeply involved in cross-border trade.
In attendance were officials from the Benin Republic Customs Authority, trade association leaders, clearing agents from both Nigeria and Benin, the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), business representatives, and Customs liaison officers.
According to the Public Relations Officer of the Command, DSC Zakari Chado, the engagement was designed to strengthen customs collaboration and streamline trade processes for smoother, more efficient border operations.
In his opening remarks, Comptroller Otunla underscored the deep rooted trade ties between Nigeria and Benin Republic, calling for renewed efforts to foster cooperation in the region.
“The economic relationship between Nigeria and Benin Republic is not only vital to our bilateral engagements but also to the broader West African sub-region,” he said. “We share a long history of trade and economic cooperation which must continue to thrive in a secure and orderly environment.”
The Comptroller was candid about the challenges hampering trade along the corridor. From poor road infrastructure and multiple checkpoints to tariff related issues and security concerns, Otunla acknowledged the real difficulties stakeholders face daily.
"The objective of this meeting,” he explained, “was to foster candid dialogue, identify obstacles, and co-create practical, implementable solutions that would promote lawful trade across the Igolo–Idiroko corridor.”
The interactive session gave stakeholders the opportunity to voice their concerns openly. Common issues raised included inadequate container handling facilities, ineffective dispute resolution mechanisms, and persistent non-tariff barriers, all of which have contributed to a decline in commercial activities since the border closure.
In a positive move, participants later toured a newly designated one hectare site provided by the Command. The area, which can accommodate over 30 containers, is seen as a step toward easing cargo congestion and enhancing border logistics.
Many stakeholders left the session hopeful, buoyed by the Command’s willingness to listen and act. With strong assurances from the leadership, there’s growing confidence that the Idiroko border could soon reclaim its role as a hub for legitimate, vibrant cross-border trade.
Wrapping up the event, Comptroller Otunla reaffirmed his dedication to transforming outcomes at the corridor in line with the vision of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
“We are committed to immediate action,” he said, “and will utilize all powers within my office to implement the resolutions reached during this engagement.”
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