During an on-the-spot inspection of the busy Nigeria–Benin Seme corridor on Friday, ECOWAS Commission President Dr. Omar Touray blasted the “deplorable” state of equipment and facilities—much of which, he noted, has lain idle despite significant regional investment. Speaking at one of West Africa’s most strategic crossings, Touray warned that continued neglect threatens the free-movement protocol at the heart of the ECOWAS project.
“This is one of the busiest and most strategic border posts in West Africa, yet we are faced with expensive facilities—scanners, lighting systems, and bridges—that are simply not working. That is unacceptable,” Touray declared. He stressed that while ECOWAS funds the initial installation of infrastructure, “maintenance lies squarely with member states,” and called on national authorities to take full ownership of upkeep.
In a briefing ahead of the tour, Dr. Ben Oramalugo, Comptroller of Customs at the Lagos–Seme command, catalogued a litany of failures: non-functional x-ray scanners—which he said have remained offline since mid-February—persistent power outages due to lack of grid connection, no lighting in pedestrian passages, and chronic water shortages in office facilities. “When you inspect cargo manually, you might miss drugs or dangerous goods hidden deep inside,” Oramalugo warned.
Touray also singled out the proliferation of unofficial checkpoints—often run by various security and regulatory agencies—as a direct affront to the ECOWAS Protocol on Free Movement of Goods and Services. “Why do we have multiple customs and immigration posts for the same corridor? It frustrates travellers, delays trade, and creates opportunities for corruption,” he observed, urging that legitimate fees be strictly receipted and unofficial payments stamped out.
Reiterating that “free movement does not mean a free-for-all,” Touray emphasised the need for valid documentation and security checks to accompany open-border policies. He pledged to deliver a comprehensive report with recommendations to streamline operations, bolster transparency, and restore trust among the region’s citizens and traders.
Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to ECOWAS, Ambassador Musa Nuhu, who accompanied Touray, revealed that President Bola Tinubu has approved a task force under the Secretary to the Government to eliminate redundant checkpoints nationwide. “This border is the litmus test for free movement in West Africa,” Nuhu said. “Addressing its challenges will send a clear signal that ECOWAS protocols are more than paper commitments.”
As Touray met with community members, security operatives, and commuters on both sides of the border, the urgency of his message resonated: without prompt and sustained action from member states, the lofty ideals of regional integration risk being undermined by rusty gates and darkened checkpoints.
