23/10/2025
Multiple Checkpoints Will Hamper Nigeria's Trade Facilitation – CUSTOMS COMPTROLLER
The Area Comptroller of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Seme Command, Comptroller Wale Adenuga, has expressed concern over the proliferation of checkpoints along the Lagos Badagry corridor, describing them as detrimental to trade facilitation.
He made this known during a courtesy visit by the executive members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Lagos State Council to Seme Command on Wednesday.
While receiving the NUJ delegation, Adenuga described the numerous checkpoints as a major obstacle to seamless trade, warning that the situation could discourage genuine business transactions within the region.
“I want to categorically state that we have far too many checkpoints operated by various security agencies along the Badagry axis. Most of these checkpoints should not exist in the first place.
“This development is quite embarrassing and could have serious negative implications for the country’s economy. The business community may begin to shy away from trading with Nigeria due to these unnecessary bottlenecks,” Adenuga said.
He further emphasized that beyond trade, Badagry is a location rich in history and tourism potential, both of which could serve as additional revenue streams for the country if properly harnessed.
According to him, only two official checkpoints; Gbagi and Agbara are recognized by the Customs management, while the others are illegal and counterproductive.
Adenuga also reiterated the Command’s unwavering commitment to enhancing revenue generation and reducing smuggling to its barest minimum.
He revealed that under his leadership, the Command generated about ₦1.5 billion as revenue last month, representing a 182 per cent increase.
The comptroller added that the Command is on track to generate close to ₦2 billion for the month of October.
He stressed the need for sustained public enlightenment to educate Nigerians and business operators ...detail
