Ogun I Customs seeks stronger Nigeria-Benin partnership against transnational crimes under AfCFTA

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun I Area Command, is seeking stronger security and operational cooperation with the Republic of Benin to combat transnational crimes, disrupt cross-border criminal networks and facilitate legitimate trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The initiative took centre stage during a strategic engagement in Benin Republic led by the Acting Customs Area Controller of Ogun I Command, Deputy Comptroller Abdulhamid Ibrahim, with senior officials of the Beninese Customs Administration and the country’s Police Force.

The discussions focused on strengthening border security, improving intelligence sharing, coordinating joint patrols and developing more effective mechanisms to address security threats along the Nigeria-Benin border.

A major outcome was the commitment by both sides to establish stronger channels for timely intelligence exchange to identify and dismantle criminal networks involved in arms trafficking, irregular migration and cross-border smuggling.

The security officials also explored coordinated patrol arrangements along vulnerable border routes to strengthen surveillance, prevent illicit movements and protect communities and legitimate commercial activities.

Beyond security concerns, the engagement examined ways to align border management procedures with AfCFTA objectives through improved customs clearance, streamlined trade processes and the advancement of One-Stop Border Posts (OSBP).

Both administrations also emphasised technology-driven trade integration as a means of reducing operational bottlenecks, improving border efficiency and creating a more predictable environment for legitimate traders.

Speaking during the engagement, Ibrahim said the growing sophistication of transnational criminal activities made stronger cooperation between neighbouring countries imperative.

“Criminal elements do not respect artificial boundaries; therefore, our response must be unified, swift, and uncompromising,” he said.

He explained that effective border security required sustained collaboration, intelligence-led operations and coordinated responses by relevant agencies across national boundaries.

“This visit solidifies our shared dedication to safeguarding our economic assets, protecting our officers on the frontline, and ensuring that legitimate traders thrive safely,” Ibrahim added.

The Beninese Customs Area Controller for Igolo-Idiroko, Col. Kounozo, and Police Commissioner Moussa welcomed the initiative, stressing the importance of inter-agency cooperation in addressing cross-border security challenges.

They noted that closer collaboration among customs administrations, police authorities and other security institutions remained critical to maintaining border stability, protecting economic activities and promoting regional development.

The engagement reflects the growing importance of Nigeria-Benin cooperation in achieving the objectives of AfCFTA, which seeks to expand intra-African trade by removing unnecessary barriers, improving trade facilitation and strengthening economic integration among African countries.

For Ogun I Customs Command, stronger collaboration with Beninese security agencies is expected to reinforce border enforcement, curb illicit trade and ensure that security measures complement rather than obstruct legitimate cross-border commerce.

The initiative also highlights the need for neighbouring countries to balance effective border control with the free movement of legitimate goods and services as Africa advances its regional integration agenda.