By Oluyinka Onigbinde
An investigation by Shipping Position Daily has revealed that security checkpoints along the Seme border corridor have reduced from over 88 to about 30, following ongoing efforts aimed at streamlining border operations and improving the movement of goods along the Lagos–Seme trade axis.
Our correspondent, who visited the Seme border corridor last week, observed that the majority of the checkpoints are now concentrated between Badagry and Seme, with the Nigerian Immigration Service accounting for the highest number of checkpoints within the stretch, followed by the Nigeria Police Force.
The visit further showed that despite the reduction in the number of checkpoints, there were still visible hand-to-hand exchanges between some commercial drivers carrying goods and passengers en route to the Benin Republic.
It was also observed that the corridor, which was previously dominated by multiple Customs checkpoints, now has about four designated Customs posts along the axis, as part of ongoing efforts to rationalise enforcement points and reduce congestion on the busy trade route.
Our correspondent, who took time to speak with two commercial drivers at the Seme border, reported mixed reactions over the situation.
One of the drivers, who identified himself as Sikiru Adewale, said that while the number of checkpoints has reduced compared to previous years, unofficial payments are still being made at certain points along the corridor.
According to him, “The road is better than before in terms of checkpoints, but the problem of ‘settlement’ has not completely gone. You still have to give something at some points before you pass.”
Another driver, who declined to disclose his name, also confirmed that although the situation has improved slightly, extortion remains a challenge for transporters moving goods between Nigeria and the Benin Republic.
The road users attributed the reduction in checkpoints to reform efforts and coordinated actions by relevant security agencies aimed at eliminating unnecessary roadblocks and enhancing trade facilitation across the border corridor.
However, despite the visible reduction in checkpoints, allegations of illegal collections and extortion by some security operatives persist along the route.
Traders and motorists maintained that such practices continue to affect the smooth flow of trade, increasing transportation costs and slowing movement of goods across the border.
They argued that while physical checkpoints may have reduced, informal payments still create bottlenecks that undermine ongoing reform efforts.
Our correspondent observed that although disciplinary actions have previously been taken against some officers over similar allegations, including suspensions in certain cases, reports from the corridor suggest that isolated incidents of illegal cash collection still occur.
Stakeholders, however, insist that sustained reforms, stronger monitoring, and improved inter-agency coordination are required to ensure that the reduction in checkpoints translates into genuine ease of doing business along the Seme border axis.
