Smuggling: Nigerian Ambassador to Benin calls for scanners at borders

The Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, Ambassador Oguntuase, Emmanuel Kayode has called on government agencies to installed scanners at the nation’s borders in order to checkmate the menace of smuggling along the Seme, Owode, Idiroko axis.

According to a statement signed on Monday by the Seme Customs Command Spokesman, Selchang Taupyen, Ambassador Oguntuase, while adressing Federal Government agencies operating in the South-Western part of Nigeria and Benin Republic borders, which comprises of the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Department of State Security (DSS), Nigeria Police Border Patrol, NDLEA, NAFDAC, Standard Organisatyion of Nigeria (SON), Port Health, among others; highlighted some of the economic and security challenges along the Nigeria/Benin borders to include the following among others: Massive smuggling activities of prohibited and restricted items through the Nigeria land borders, Proliferation of small arms and light weapons, human trafficking, Illicit drug trafficking, Piracy, Illegal bunkering, oil theftand International terrorism.

The ambassador in the light of the above charged the security agencies to be more vigilant, alert, effective, and proactive to display due diligence, commitment and professionalism in the discharge of their duties along the borders.

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He also made some observable lapses to the Nigeria border control agencies and urged them to rise up to the challenges. For the purpose of security, the ambassador also observed the need for scanner machines to be installed in all the land borders and the immediate opening of the abandoned Seme/Krake ECOWAS joint border post.

The Ambassador expressed his mission’s effort in repositioning the border agencies for improved performance, especially on making frantic efforts with the relevant agencies including the Nigeria government, E.U, ECOWAS and the Beninese authorities to ensure the joint border post is commissioned without further delay. The Ambassador assured that the mission is working assiduously to ensure the promotion, facilitation and enforcement of ECOWAS trade liberalization Scheme as this will increase the smooth movement of goods and products produced within the two countries into Nigeria and Benin Republic respectively.

He charged the Nigeria border control agencies to continue to protect the Nigeria territorial integrity and National interest through effective and efficient border control and management.

At the interactive session, all agencies represented took time to enumerate their roles, achievements and challenges to the Ambassador.