Nigeria, Benin, Cameroon Partner Afreximbank on Border Modernisation
The Nigeria Customs Service has stepped up efforts to modernise regional border operations in collaboration with the Customs administrations of Benin Republic and Cameroon, following high-level discussions with the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) in Cairo, Egypt.
The meeting, held on October 12, 2026, was aimed at developing practical solutions to border infrastructure challenges, improving Customs operations and facilitating trade among African countries under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The engagement was led by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and followed a benchmarking mission to Zimbabwe’s Beitbridge Border Post and technical assessments of the Mfum–Ekok and Sèmè–Kraké border corridors.
Representatives of the three Customs administrations, Afreximbank and technical partners examined the findings of the assessments and discussed priority investments needed to improve the efficiency of cross-border trade.
The proposed modernisation programme covers digital infrastructure, harmonised Customs procedures, secure information exchange, institutional capacity development and improved physical infrastructure.
Participants also identified the need for cargo scanners, weighbridges, access roads, reliable electricity, internet connectivity, traffic management systems and modern border-processing facilities.
Another key issue was the development of a Customs Declaration Exchange System (CDES) to connect Nigeria’s B’Odogwu platform with Benin’s Customs Webb and Cameroon’s CAMCIS.
The proposed system is designed to enable Customs authorities to exchange export information securely, allowing the receiving country to prepare import-manifest information ahead of the arrival of goods.
According to the programme’s design, the system would reduce repetitive documentation and improve the predictability of cross-border transactions.
However, each country’s Customs administration would retain control over information validation, risk assessments, national regulatory requirements and cargo-clearance authorisation.
While development and technical testing have already taken place, additional technical configuration, application programming interface integration, security assurance and pilot acceptance are still required before the system can become operational.
The assessment missions also revealed significant infrastructure and operational challenges at the two border corridors.
At Mfum–Ekok, the assessment identified unreliable electricity, inadequate connectivity, insufficient information technology equipment, cybersecurity gaps, limited technical support and outstanding issues involving cargo-scanner commissioning.
The assessment further highlighted the need to improve coordinated single-stop border processing.
At Sèmè–Kraké, the identified problems included incomplete joint Customs procedures, inadequate live data exchange, non-functional cargo-scanning and weighing equipment, traffic congestion and inconsistent operating hours.
The assessment also pointed to unreliable electricity and unresolved responsibilities for maintaining shared facilities.
Participants said these challenges must be addressed alongside the development of a comprehensive and properly costed border-modernisation programme.
The Beitbridge benchmarking mission provided lessons on the importance of integrated border management, including traffic segmentation, pre-arrival processing, risk-based controls, electronic payments, transit monitoring, cargo scanning, information technology command centres and effective maintenance arrangements.
As part of efforts to advance the project, Afreximbank proposed a two-stage process beginning with independent engineering assessments and investment-cost studies at the two border posts.
The next stage would involve preparing separate bankable project packages for the Nigeria–Benin and Nigeria–Cameroon corridors.
The proposed preparations would cover legal due diligence, financial modelling, transaction advisory services and the identification of appropriate financing and implementation structures.
Afreximbank also outlined the possible use of its Project Preparation Facility to support the process.
Meanwhile, TMP and Bergmans Security Consultants and Supplies Limited expressed willingness in principle to consider financing the preparatory work themselves.
The discussions, however, did not result in a final project budget, confirmed lending commitment, designated borrower, financing agreement or implementation contract.
Participants agreed that the next steps should include direct inspections of the border facilities, appointment of technical focal points and the preparation of an action plan covering the first, third and sixth months of implementation.
A dated action matrix is also expected to guide follow-up activities and clarify responsibilities among the participating institutions.
The Nigeria Customs Service said it remained committed to strengthening regional cooperation, modernising border operations and facilitating legitimate trade across the continent.
The Service added that it would continue engaging its counterparts in Benin and Cameroon, Afreximbank and technical partners to complete the necessary assessments and establish sustainable arrangements for the proposed projects.
The initiative is intended to improve cargo visibility, reduce procedural delays, strengthen coordination among border agencies and support more efficient trade across the region in line with AfCFTA objectives.
