By Peace Udugba — The Daily Torch Media
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), in collaboration with the Customs administrations of Benin Republic and Cameroon, is strengthening discussions with the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) on plans to modernise key regional border posts and facilitate cross-border trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The discussions took place at Afreximbank’s headquarters in Cairo, Egypt, on October 12, 2026, following a joint benchmarking mission to the Beitbridge Border Post in Zimbabwe and technical assessments of the Mfum–Ekok and Sèmè–Kraké border corridors.
The initiative is aimed at improving border efficiency, reducing delays in cargo processing, strengthening information sharing among Customs administrations and creating a more integrated regional trading environment.
The high-level engagement was led by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and brought together representatives of the three Customs administrations, Afreximbank and technical partners.
Participants reviewed findings from the assessment missions, identified priority infrastructure and operational gaps, and explored practical approaches to developing an integrated border-modernisation programme.
Infrastructure, Digital Systems Top Agenda
Discussions focused on combining digital infrastructure, harmonised Customs procedures, secure data exchange and institutional capacity development with investments in essential border facilities.
The proposed interventions include cargo scanners, weighbridges, access roads, reliable electricity, telecommunications connectivity, traffic-management systems and modern cargo-processing facilities.
The meeting 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.
The measures are expected to support more efficient border operations, improve cargo visibility and strengthen cooperation among Customs administrations, subject to further assessments and the development of viable project proposals.
Nigeria, Benin, Cameroon Explore Customs Data-Sharing System
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 is being developed around a common data model that would allow export information generated in one country to support the advance preparation of import-manifest information in the receiving country.
This approach is intended to reduce repetitive data entry, minimise administrative delays and make cross-border transactions more predictable.
However, the receiving Customs administration would retain responsibility for validating the information, enforcing its national requirements, conducting risk assessments and authorising cargo clearance.
Although development and technical testing have been undertaken, additional country-specific configuration, system integration, security checks and pilot acceptance are still required before deployment.
Assessments Reveal Border Infrastructure Gaps
Findings from the July 2026 benchmarking mission to Beitbridge and subsequent assessments of the two priority corridors highlighted the importance of treating modern border posts as integrated operational systems rather than isolated facilities.
The Beitbridge experience demonstrated the value of traffic segmentation, pre-arrival cargo processing, risk-based inspections, cargo scanning, transit monitoring, electronic payments, information technology command centres, reliable utilities and effective maintenance arrangements.
However, the assessment of the Mfum–Ekok border corridor identified shortcomings in reliable electricity supply, internet connectivity, information technology equipment, cybersecurity, technical support and scanner commissioning.
The assessment also highlighted the need for improved coordination of joint border-processing operations.
At the Sèmè–Kraké corridor linking Nigeria and Benin, 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.
Unresolved responsibilities for maintaining shared infrastructure were also identified as an area requiring attention.
The findings underscore the need to address immediate operational problems while developing a properly assessed and costed long-term modernisation programme.
Afreximbank Proposes Two-Stage Project Preparation
To move the initiative forward, Afreximbank outlined a proposed two-stage approach beginning with independent engineering assessments and investment-cost studies at the Mfum–Ekok and Sèmè–Kraké border posts.
The second stage would involve developing separate bankable project proposals for the Nigeria–Cameroon and Nigeria–Benin corridors.
The proposed preparation process would cover 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 to support the process.
Meanwhile, technical partners TMP and Bergmans Security Consultants and Supplies Limited expressed willingness in principle to consider financing the preparatory work themselves.
However, no final project cost, lending commitment, designated borrower, financing arrangement or implementation contract was established at the meeting.
Participants agreed on the importance of conducting direct site inspections, appointing technical focal persons and preparing a clear implementation roadmap covering one, three and six months.
A dated action matrix is also expected to guide subsequent engagements and clarify responsibilities for moving the initiative forward.
Customs Reaffirms Commitment to Regional Trade
The Nigeria Customs Service reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening regional cooperation, modernising border operations and facilitating legitimate trade in line with the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area.
The Service said it would continue engaging with its counterparts in Benin and Cameroon, Afreximbank and relevant technical partners to advance the required assessments and clarify project-preparation arrangements.
The proposed modernisation programme is expected to support more efficient cross-border procedures, improve cargo visibility and strengthen coordinated border management if the necessary technical, financial and institutional arrangements are successfully concluded.
The initiative also reflects wider efforts to improve trade connectivity across Africa, where efficient border procedures and reliable infrastructure are essential to unlocking the benefits of the continent’s free-trade framework.
