By Saminu Ibrahim
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intensified discussions with the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and the Customs administrations of Benin and Cameroon on plans to modernise key border corridors to facilitate trade and strengthen regional economic integration.
The initiative is aimed at improving cross-border efficiency, streamlining customs procedures and advancing the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The high-level engagement, led by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, was held at Afreximbank’s headquarters in Cairo, Egypt, on October 12, 2026.
The meeting followed a joint benchmarking mission to the Beitbridge Border Post in Zimbabwe and technical assessments of the Mfum–Ekok and Sèmè–Kraké border corridors linking Nigeria with Cameroon and Benin, respectively.
According to a statement by the NCS National Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Maiwada, the meeting brought together representatives of the three Customs administrations, Afreximbank and technical partners to review the assessments and identify priority interventions for an integrated regional border-modernisation programme.
The discussions focused on digital infrastructure, harmonised customs procedures, secure data exchange and institutional capacity development, alongside investments in cargo scanners, weighbridges, access roads, electricity, connectivity, traffic management and modern border-processing facilities.
Participants also considered Afreximbank’s potential participation in the next Customs Partnership for African Cooperation in Trade (C-PACT) and progress towards regional and continental transit-guarantee arrangements.
A major component of the discussions was the proposed Customs Declaration Exchange System (CDES), designed to facilitate secure information exchange among Nigeria’s B’Odogwu platform, Benin’s Customs Webb and Cameroon’s CAMCIS.
The system, built around a common data model, is expected to enable export information from one country to support the advance preparation of import-manifest information in the receiving country, reducing duplication and making cross-border transactions more predictable.
However, the receiving Customs administration will retain responsibility for validating the information, applying national requirements, conducting risk assessments and authorising cargo clearance.
The NCS said development and technical testing of the system had been undertaken, but further country-specific configuration, application programming interface integration, security checks and pilot acceptance were required before deployment.
Findings from the assessments also highlighted operational challenges requiring urgent attention at the two priority border corridors.
At Mfum–Ekok, the assessment identified inadequate power supply, poor connectivity, insufficient information technology equipment, cybersecurity concerns, limited technical support, delays in commissioning scanners and the need for better coordination of single-stop border processing.
At Sèmè–Kraké, the challenges included incomplete joint procedures, limited live data exchange, non-functional cargo-scanning and weighing facilities, unreliable electricity, traffic congestion, inconsistent operating hours and unresolved responsibilities for maintaining shared infrastructure.
The benchmarking mission to Beitbridge demonstrated the importance of an integrated approach to border management, incorporating traffic segmentation, pre-arrival processing, risk-based controls, cargo scanning, transit monitoring, electronic payments, information technology command centres, reliable utilities and effective governance.
To advance the initiative, Afreximbank proposed a two-stage project-preparation process, beginning with independent engineering assessments and investment-cost studies at the two border posts.
The second stage would involve developing separate bankable project packages for the Nigeria–Benin and Nigeria–Cameroon corridors.
The proposed preparation process would include transaction advisory services, legal due diligence, financial modelling and the identification of appropriate implementation and financing arrangements.
Afreximbank also outlined the potential use of its Project Preparation Facility, while technical partners, TMP and Bergmans Security Consultants and Supplies Limited, expressed willingness in principle to consider self-financing the preparatory work.
However, the meeting did not establish a final project cost, lending commitment, borrower designation, financing arrangement or implementation contract.
Participants instead agreed on the need for direct site inspections, designated technical focal points, a one-, three- and six-month implementation roadmap, and a dated action matrix to guide subsequent engagements.
The NCS reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening regional cooperation, modernising border operations and facilitating legitimate trade in line with AfCFTA objectives.
The Service said it would continue working with its counterparts in Benin and Cameroon, Afreximbank and other technical partners to complete the necessary assessments, clarify project-preparation arrangements and develop sustainable solutions for the two border corridors.
The initiative is expected to support more efficient cross-border procedures, improve cargo visibility, strengthen coordinated border management and promote regional trade across Africa.
