Nigeria Customs, Afreximbank Advance Talks on Regional Border Modernisation
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) have intensified discussions on a regional border-modernisation programme aimed at improving cross-border trade and strengthening the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The discussions involved the Customs administrations of Nigeria, Benin Republic and Cameroon and took place at Afreximbank’s headquarters in Cairo, Egypt, on October 12, 2026.
According to a statement, the meeting followed a joint benchmarking mission to the Beitbridge Border Post in Zimbabwe and technical assessments of the Mfum–Ekok and Sèmè–Kraké border corridors.
The engagement was led by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and focused on reviewing findings from the assessment missions, identifying infrastructure gaps and exploring practical solutions for modernising border operations across the three countries.
Participants discussed plans to improve digital infrastructure, harmonise Customs procedures, strengthen secure data exchange and develop institutional capacity.
Other priority areas included the provision of cargo scanners, weighbridges, access roads, reliable electricity, improved connectivity, traffic management systems and modern border-processing facilities.
The meeting also considered Afreximbank’s potential participation in the next Customs Partnership for African Cooperation in Trade (C-PACT) and efforts to establish regional and continental transit-guarantee arrangements.
A major area of discussion 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 the advance preparation of import-manifest information in the receiving country, reducing duplication and improving the predictability of cross-border transactions.
However, the receiving Customs administration will retain responsibility for validating information, conducting risk assessments, enforcing national requirements and authorising cargo clearance.
Although development and technical testing have been undertaken, further configuration, system integration, security checks and pilot acceptance are required before the system can be deployed.
The assessment missions identified several operational challenges at the two priority border corridors.
At Mfum–Ekok, the identified gaps included unreliable electricity, poor connectivity, inadequate information technology equipment, cybersecurity concerns, technical support limitations and challenges involving scanner commissioning and coordinated single-stop border processing.
At Sèmè–Kraké, the challenges included incomplete joint operating procedures, limited live data exchange, non-functional cargo scanners and weighing facilities, traffic congestion, unreliable power supply and inconsistent operating hours.
The assessments also highlighted concerns over the maintenance of shared infrastructure and the need for stronger coordination between the relevant authorities.
Drawing lessons from the Beitbridge Border Post in Zimbabwe, participants stressed the importance of integrating traffic management, pre-arrival processing, cargo scanning, transit monitoring, electronic payments, information technology command centres and effective border governance.
To move the initiative forward, Afreximbank proposed a two-stage approach beginning with independent engineering assessments and investment-cost studies at the Mfum–Ekok and Sèmè–Kraké border posts.
The second stage would involve preparing separate bankable project packages for the Nigeria–Benin and Nigeria–Cameroon corridors.
The proposed project-preparation process would include transaction advisory services, legal due diligence, financial modelling and the identification of suitable financing and implementation arrangements.
Afreximbank also indicated 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 establish a final project cost, lending commitment, borrower designation, financing arrangement or implementation contract.
Participants agreed on the need for direct site inspections, designated technical focal points, a clear implementation roadmap covering one, three and six months, and a dated action matrix to guide subsequent activities.
The Nigeria Customs Service reaffirmed its commitment to regional cooperation, border modernisation and the facilitation of legitimate trade in line with AfCFTA objectives.
The Service said it would continue working with Customs authorities in Benin and Cameroon, Afreximbank and other technical partners to advance the assessments and develop sustainable solutions for more efficient cross-border operations.
The initiative is expected to support improved cargo visibility, strengthen coordinated border management and contribute to the development of an integrated African trading environment.
