By George Ozalla
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) have intensified discussions on plans to modernise border operations between Nigeria and its neighbours, Benin Republic and Cameroon, in a move aimed at facilitating trade and improving the movement of goods across the region.
The discussions took place at Afreximbank’s headquarters in Cairo, Egypt, on October 12, 2026, with representatives of the three countries’ Customs administrations, the bank and technical partners in attendance.
The meeting, led by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, reviewed findings from a joint benchmarking visit to Beitbridge Border Post in Zimbabwe in July 2026, alongside technical assessments of the Mfum–Ekok and Sèmè–Kraké border corridors linking Nigeria with Cameroon and Benin respectively.
The initiative is intended to support the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) by improving Customs procedures, reducing delays at border posts and strengthening cooperation among neighbouring countries.
Participants examined the infrastructure and technology required to improve border operations, including cargo scanners, weighbridges, access roads, electricity supply, internet connectivity, traffic management and modern cargo-processing facilities. The discussions also covered digital infrastructure, the harmonisation of Customs procedures, secure information exchange and staff capacity development.
A major issue considered was the proposed Customs Declaration Exchange System (CDES), which is designed to connect Nigeria’s B’Odogwu platform with Benin’s Customs Webb and Cameroon’s CAMCIS.
The system is expected to allow export information recorded in one country to assist the preparation of import documentation in the receiving country before the goods arrive. This is intended to reduce repeated data entry, improve cargo information and make cross-border transactions more predictable.
However, the receiving country’s Customs administration will retain responsibility for validating the information, applying its national requirements, conducting risk assessments and authorising the clearance of goods.
Although development and technical testing have been undertaken, further work is required on country-specific configurations, system integration, security checks and pilot acceptance before the platform can be deployed.
The assessments of the two border corridors identified operational challenges requiring attention. At Mfum–Ekok, which links Nigeria and Cameroon, the assessment highlighted unreliable electricity, inadequate connectivity and information technology equipment, cybersecurity concerns, limited technical support and outstanding work on cargo scanners. The need for better coordination in implementing single-stop border processing was also identified.
At Sèmè–Kraké, linking Nigeria and Benin, the challenges included incomplete joint operating procedures, limited live data exchange, non-functional cargo-scanning and weighing facilities, unreliable electricity, traffic congestion and inconsistent operating hours. Questions surrounding responsibility for maintaining shared infrastructure also require resolution.
The experience at Beitbridge demonstrated the importance of treating a border post as an integrated facility rather than a collection of separate agencies and installations. Its operational model incorporates traffic management, advance processing of cargo information, risk-based inspections, scanning, transit monitoring, electronic payments, information technology command centres, utilities and maintenance arrangements.
Afreximbank proposed a two-stage approach to move the initiative forward. The first stage would involve independent engineering assessments and investment-cost studies at Mfum–Ekok and Sèmè–Kraké. The second would involve preparing separate bankable project proposals for the Nigeria–Cameroon and Nigeria–Benin corridors.
The proposed preparation process would include transaction advisory services, legal due diligence, financial modelling and the identification of suitable financing and implementation arrangements. Afreximbank also outlined the possible use of its Project Preparation Facility.
Technical partners, TMP and Bergmans Security Consultants and Supplies Limited, expressed willingness in principle to consider financing the preparatory work themselves.
However, the meeting did not establish a final project cost, lending commitment, designated borrower, financing arrangement or implementation contract. Further assessments and discussions will therefore be required before the proposed projects can proceed to implementation.
Participants agreed on the need for direct inspections of the affected border posts, the appointment of designated technical focal points and a clear implementation roadmap covering one, three and six months. A dated action matrix is also expected to guide follow-up engagements and track progress.
The Nigeria Customs Service said it would continue working with the Customs administrations of Benin and Cameroon, Afreximbank and other technical partners to advance the assessments and clarify arrangements for preparing the projects.
The proposed modernisation programme is expected to strengthen coordinated border management, improve cargo visibility and make legitimate trade across the two corridors more efficient, in support of AfCFTA and efforts to deepen regional economic integration.
