Nigeria, Benin Rep unite to check smuggling

In a bid to beat smugglers to their game, the Seme Command of Nigeria Customs Service (NSC) and its Benin Republic counterpart on Friday established a new vehicle transit regime.

Mr. Willy Egbudin, Area Comptroller of the Command ,said that the measure would reduce the smuggling of vehicles.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), an illegal park exists in Cotonou, capital of Benin Republic, where vehicles coming into Nigeria park to pay N5, 000 each for easy passage.

Egbudin explained that with the new vehicle transit regime, which allows the Benin Customs to hand over imported cars from Benin to Nigeria Customs, smuggling of vehicles into the country will be reduced, thereby boosting government revenue.

He revealed that a location within the border complex of Customs in Seme has been agreed upon for the formal handover.

“We have been working on various ways to strengthen the relationship between Nigeria Customs and our Beniniose counterpart, and this has gone a long way in doing that,” he said.

“We know the importance of synergy between the two customs administrations in revenue collection, anti smuggling and facilitation of legitimate trade. My joy knows no bounds because this transit arrangement will reduce the loss of lives of our officers and smugglers.’’

Egbudin said that the regime would reduce the security challenges in the country.

“With this, we will be able to conduct proper examinations on the vehicles to ensure that arms and ammunition are not smuggled into the country.

“This will also help to reduce the rate at which youths in this area engage in smuggling, because the vehicles will be handed over directly to the customs.”

Imorin Idrisso, the Chef de Brigade in Charge of Enforcement of Customs in Cotonou, reiterated the commitment of the Benin Government to easing Nigeria’s crackdown on smugglers.

“Issues in Nigeria are also our issues, so we are always glad to help Nigeria in the little ways we can,” Idrisso said.

“This is part of the reasons why the Benin Government decides to officially relate with the Nigerian Customs because we are committed to strengthening the relationships between both parties.”

Mr Lawrence Obisakin, Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, said the handover would bring transparency and help to boost Nigeria’s economy.