The Customs Area Comptroller, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Seme Command, Comptroller Wale Adenuga, has raised concerns over the proliferation of checkpoints along the Lagos–Badagry corridor, describing the situation as a major hindrance to trade facilitation and economic growth.
Adenuga made this known on Wednesday during a courtesy visit by executive members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Lagos State Council, to the Seme Command.
He lamented that the numerous checkpoints mounted by different security agencies were not only unnecessary but also counterproductive to the Federal Government’s efforts to promote legitimate trade.
“We have far too many checkpoints operated by various security agencies along the Badagry axis. Most of them should not exist in the first place. This development is embarrassing and could discourage genuine business transactions, with serious implications for the economy,” he said.
The comptroller explained that only two checkpoints — Gbaji and Agbara — are officially recognized by the Customs management, adding that others were illegal and detrimental to trade.
Adenuga further emphasized that beyond trade, Badagry holds immense potential in tourism and history, which could be harnessed for additional revenue if properly managed.
Reaffirming the Command’s commitment to its core mandate, Adenuga disclosed that Seme Command generated ₦1.5 billion in revenue last month, representing a 182 percent increase, and projected that the figure could reach nearly ₦2 billion for October.
He also called for sustained public enlightenment on the negative impact of multiple checkpoints, noting that such practices contribute to higher prices of goods and discourage cross-border commerce.
Describing the NUJ’s visit as a morale booster, Adenuga said it provided an opportunity to share the Command’s achievements and challenges while strengthening collaboration with the media.
In his remarks, the NUJ Chairman, Mr. Adeleye Ajayi, described the visit as a homecoming, commending the Customs officers at the Seme Border for their professionalism and dedication.
“We commend the Nigeria Customs Service at the Seme Border for its efforts in securing our borders, facilitating trade, and curbing smuggling. We also observed multiple checkpoints along the Badagry–Seme corridor, which should be addressed urgently,” Ajayi said.
He praised the Command’s role in revenue generation, proper documentation, and prevention of revenue leakages, noting that these efforts contribute to Nigeria’s economic stability.
Ajayi also highlighted Customs’ collaboration with other security agencies in combating transnational crimes such as smuggling, drug trafficking, and human trafficking.
As part of the visit, Comptroller Adenuga presented a plaque to Ajayi in recognition of his contributions to national development.
Other members of the NUJ delegation included Philip Nwosu (Vice Chairman), Tunde Olalere (Secretary), Olayide Awosanya (Assistant Secretary), Oluwakemi Ishola (Internal Auditor), Alaba Igbaroola (Ex-Officio), and Gbenga Faile (Chairman, Lagos NUJ Media Investment Committee).
