By: Manoah Kikekon
Federal Government Moves to Ease Trade, End Extortion on Key ECOWAS Corridor
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| Checkpoints used to illustrate the story |
In a decisive move to boost regional trade and curb harassment of travelers, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the formation of a high-level presidential committee to eliminate illegal security checkpoints along the Seme-Badagry Expressway and other vital ECOWAS trade routes.
The committee, chaired by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, will target redundant roadblocks that have long hindered the free movement of goods and people between Nigeria and neighboring West African nations.
Ambassador Musa Nuhu, Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to ECOWAS, announced the development during a stakeholder visit to the Seme border on Wednesday.
“We are starting with the Seme-Badagry corridor,” Nuhu stated. “The committee, under the SGF’s leadership, has been constituted and will begin work immediately to dismantle multiple checkpoints causing delays and extortion.”
The Seme border, a critical hub for intra-regional trade, has been plagued by complaints of excessive security stops, often manned by multiple agencies. Transporters and residents have reported rampant bribery, harassment, and prolonged delays, undermining the ECOWAS free movement protocol.
Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, who joined the delegation, criticized the unchecked extortion at checkpoints.
“Security is vital, but extorting travelers without receipts is unacceptable,” Touray emphasized. “Legitimate fees must be documented. These checkpoints violate the ECOWAS Protocol on Free Movement and must be addressed.”
The Tinubu administration’s latest initiative signals a renewed commitment to Nigeria’s role in West African integration. By streamlining transit along key corridors, the government aims to enhance trade efficiency and reduce corruption.
With the committee set to commence operations soon, businesses, commuters, and regional partners are hopeful for a long-awaited resolution to a major barrier in cross-border commerce.
Immediate dismantling of illegal checkpoints on Seme-Badagry Expressway, Stronger enforcement of ECOWAS free movement policies, Enhanced monitoring to prevent extortion by security personnel, As Nigeria pushes for smoother regional trade, all eyes remain on the SGF-led committee to deliver tangible results.