NIGERIA CUSTOMS, AFREXIMBANK DEEPEN DISCUSSIONS ON REGIONAL BORDER MODERNISATION UNDER AfCFTA
By Pan Afric Reporters
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), in collaboration with the Customs administrations of Benin Republic and Cameroon, has intensified discussions with the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) on a regional border-modernisation programme aimed at reducing trade bottlenecks, strengthening digital integration and facilitating legitimate cross-border commerce under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The development was disclosed in a press release issued by the NCS and signed by its National Public Relations Officer, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Abdullahi Maiwada, following a high-level working engagement at Afreximbank’s headquarters in Cairo, Egypt, on October 12, 2026.
The meeting, led by Comptroller-General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, reviewed findings from a joint benchmarking mission to the Beitbridge Border Post in Zimbabwe and technical assessments of the Mfum–Ekok and Sèmè–Kraké border corridors linking Nigeria with Cameroon and Benin, respectively.
Discussions focused on integrating digital infrastructure, harmonised Customs procedures, secure data exchange and institutional capacity development with investments in cargo scanners, weighbridges, access roads, reliable electricity, connectivity, traffic management and modern border-processing facilities.
Customs Targets Digital Integration Across Borders
A major highlight was the proposed Customs Declaration Exchange System (CDES), designed to facilitate secure information exchange among Nigeria’s B’Odogwu platform, Benin’s Customs Webb and Cameroon’s CAMCIS.
The system is expected to allow export information generated in one country to support advance preparation of import-manifest information in the receiving country, reducing duplication and making cross-border transactions more predictable.
Under the proposed arrangement, the receiving Customs administration would retain responsibility for validating information, enforcing national requirements, conducting risk assessments and authorising the clearance of goods.
The NCS noted, however, that further country-specific configuration, technical integration, security assurance and pilot acceptance would be required before the system could be deployed.
The discussions also examined progress towards regional and continental transit-guarantee arrangements and the potential participation of Afreximbank in the next Customs Partnership for African Cooperation in Trade (C-PACT).
Assessments Identify Border Infrastructure Gaps
Findings from the benchmarking mission and technical assessments highlighted operational and infrastructure challenges requiring attention before the proposed modernisation programme can be fully implemented.
At the Mfum–Ekok border, the assessment identified deficiencies in reliable electricity, connectivity, information technology equipment, cybersecurity, technical support, scanner commissioning and coordinated single-stop processing.
At Sèmè–Kraké, challenges included incomplete joint operating procedures, limited live data exchange, non-functional cargo-scanning and weighing facilities, unreliable power supply, traffic congestion, inconsistent operating hours and unresolved responsibilities for maintaining shared infrastructure.
The Beitbridge experience, meanwhile, demonstrated the importance of an integrated border-management system incorporating traffic segmentation, pre-arrival processing, risk-based controls, cargo scanning, transit monitoring, electronic payments, information technology command centres and effective maintenance arrangements.
The findings underscored the need to address immediate operational deficiencies alongside a properly assessed and costed long-term investment programme.
Afreximbank Proposes Two-Stage Project Preparation
To advance the initiative, Afreximbank proposed a two-stage approach beginning with independent engineering assessments and investment-cost studies at the two priority border posts.
The second stage would involve developing separate bankable project packages for the Nigeria–Benin and Nigeria–Cameroon corridors, including transaction advisory services, legal due diligence, financial modelling and the identification of suitable implementation and financing arrangements.
The bank also outlined the potential use of its Project Preparation Facility, while technical partners, TMP and Bergmans Security Consultants and Supplies Limited, expressed willingness in principle to consider self-financing the preparatory work.
However, the meeting did not produce a final project cost, lending commitment, designated borrower, financing agreement or implementation contract.
Participants instead agreed on the need for direct site inspections, designated technical focal points, a one-, three- and six-month implementation roadmap, and a dated action matrix to guide subsequent engagement.
NCS Reaffirms Commitment to AfCFTA
The Customs Service reaffirmed its commitment to regional cooperation and modern border operations, stressing the importance of efficient cross-border procedures, improved cargo visibility and coordinated border management in advancing continental trade.
The initiative is expected to support the development of more efficient and secure border corridors while strengthening cooperation among the three Customs administrations and their development and technical partners.
According to the NCS, further engagement with Benin, Cameroon, Afreximbank and other stakeholders will focus on completing the required assessments, clarifying project-preparation arrangements and developing practical, sustainable solutions for the two corridors.
The broader objective is to establish a more integrated African trading environment in which modern infrastructure, digital systems and harmonised procedures can reduce trade delays and support the implementation of AfCFTA.
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