Compt. Otunla Pledges Seamless Business Activities To Enhance Trade Facilitation Within Ogun 1 Command

The Ogun I Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, under the leadership of the dynamic Comptroller GA Otunla, recently hosted a high-level stakeholder engagement session focuslng on enhancing trade facilitation along the Idiroko-Igolo border corridor.

The strategic event which  was held at the Command's conference room, brought together key players in cross-border trade, including representatives from the Benin Republic Customs Authority, trade associations, business leaders, clearing agents from both Nigeria and Benin Republic, the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) and Customs liaison officers.

According to the statement signed and made available to media by the Public Relations Officer of the command, DSC Chado Zakaria anipr, said the dialogue centered on improving customs cooperation and streamlining business processes to foster the smooth flow of legitimate trade across the corridor. 

Comptroller Otunla in his opening remarks emphasized the significance of Nigeria-Benin economic ties, stating that the economic relationship between Nigeria and Benin Republic is not only vital to the bilateral engagements but also to the broader West African sub-region. 

We share a long history of trade and economic cooperation which must continue to thrive in a secure and orderly environment.

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

Comptroller Otunla said  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 Igolo–Idiroko corridor.

During the interactive session, stakeholders highlighted several impediments affecting business activities at the border, including: Multiple checkpoints, poor road infrastructure, inadequate space for handling large volumes of containers, Tariff and non-tariff barriers, absence of effective dispute resolution mechanisms and persistent security challenges

Following the discussions, participants inspected a one-hectare site provided by the Command, which is capable of accommodating over 30 containers—an infrastructural step forward toward easing cargo flow.

Stakeholders expressed optimism and agreed that with the measures and assurances provided by the Command, Idiroko would soon experience a resurgence in legitimate cross-border trade.

In his closing remarks, Comptroller Otunla pledged  to utilize all powers within his  office to implement the resolutions reached and he

reaffirmed his commitment for immediate action in line with the policy thrust of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, which emphasizes cooperation and collaboration.