The President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Dr. Omar Touray, has criticized the poor state of infrastructure at the Seme border between Nigeria and the Bénin Republic, despite heavy investments by the regional body. During an assessment visit to the Lagos-Seme border, one of West Africa’s busiest corridors, Touray expressed concern that scanners, lighting systems, and other costly equipment were non-functional. He emphasized that while ECOWAS can provide initial infrastructure, the responsibility for maintenance lies with member states, urging Nigeria to take ownership and ensure operational sustainability.
Touray warned that neglecting infrastructure undermines the ECOWAS Protocol on Free Movement of Goods and Services and impedes regional integration. He also condemned the proliferation of security checkpoints, which he said delay trade, frustrate travelers, and encourage corruption. He demanded transparency and the elimination of unofficial payments, insisting that legitimate fees must be documented with receipts.
The president clarified that the protocol on free movement under the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS) requires valid identification and appropriate documentation, balancing openness with security.
Dr. Ben Oramalugo, Comptroller of the Nigeria Customs Service at the Seme Border, reported that critical systems like scanners and lighting remain non-functional since his arrival in February. He described inadequate basic amenities, such as water and electricity, noting that the facility isn’t connected to Nigeria’s national grid and relies on inconsistent power from Bénin.
Oramalugo also criticized the excessive number of checkpoints along the corridor and called for stricter enforcement to limit them, noting that his efforts had reduced customs checkpoints to three.
Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to ECOWAS, Ambassador Musa Nuhu, supported the concerns raised and stressed the strategic importance of the Seme border to ECOWAS’ vision. He confirmed that President Bola Tinubu has approved a presidential task force to tackle the issue of multiple checkpoints nationwide.
Dr. Touray’s visit included direct interactions with border officials, commuters, and local residents to understand the ground realities and help shape his forthcoming recommendations for reform.
