Comptroller Otunla Hosts Stakeholders, Pledges Seamless Business Activities Along Idiroko-Igolo Axis.

By Joe Njoku,
Global Freight News.

The Ogun 1 Command of the Nigeria Customs Service under the leadership of the dynamic Customs Area Controller, Comptroller GA Otunla, most recently hosted a high-level meeting session with Stakeholders which focused on enhancing trade facilitation along the Idiroko-Igolo border corridor.

The even brought together key players in cross-border trade, including representatives from the Benin Republic Customs Authority, trade association, business leaders, clearing agents from both countries (Nigeria- Benin Republic), Association of Nigerian Customs Licensed Agents (ANLCA),and Customs Liaison Officers.

The discussion centred on improving customs cooperation and streamlining business processes to Foster the smooth flow of legitimate trade across the corridor.

Comptroller Otunla who emphasised the importance of Nigeria-Benin economic ties in his opening remarks, stated that the economic relationship between both countries is no only vital to our bilateral engagements but also to the broader West Africa sub-region.
NEw share a long history of trade and economic cooperation which must continue to thrive in a secure and orderly environment,’ he said.

However, he acknowledged the existing challenges that hinder trade, including border inefficiencies, regulatory bottlenecks, and security concerns, issues he affirmed must be addressed to restore the vibrant commercial activity witnessed before the border closure.

According to him, ‘The objective of the meeting was to Foster candid dialogue, identify obstacles, and co-create practical, implementable solutions that would promote lawful trade across the Idiroko-Igolo border,’ he added.

Stakeholders highlighted several impediments affecting business activities at the border area, including multiple checkpoints, poor road infrastructure, inadequate space for handling large volume of containers, Tariff and non-tariff barriers, absence of effective dispute resolution mechanism and persistent security challenges.

In the course of the event, participants inspected a one hectare site provided by the command, which is large enough to accommodate over 30 containers-an infrastructural step toward easing cargo flow.

Therefore, Stakeholders expressed optimism and agreed that with the measures and assurances provided by the command, Idiroko would soon experience an improvement in legitimate cross-border trade.

In his closing remarks, Comptroller Otunla reaffirmed his commitment to immediate action in line with the policy thrust of you Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, which emphasizes cooperation and collaboration. “I pledge to utilize all powers within my office to implement the resolutions reached during this engagement,” he concluded.