Kaila hails media intelligence, pledges better trade facilitation on Seme-Abidjan Corridor

Stanley Ihedigbo

Customs Area Controller, Seme Area Command, Comptroller Abdullahi Kaila, has called for a stronger partnership between the Nigeria Customs Service and the media, while vowing to tackle the proliferation of unauthorised checkpoints along the Seme-Abidjan international corridor to enhance trade facilitation and security.

Kaila made the remarks on Wednesday when executives of the Maritime Correspondents Organisation of Nigeria (MARCON) paid him a courtesy visit at the Command headquarters in Seme.

The Comptroller stated that effective stakeholder engagement and collaboration remain critical to the success of public institutions, stressing that the Nigeria Customs Service has always placed a premium on building strategic partnerships.

“Collaboration has always been very important because without it, you cannot go far. That is what the Nigeria Customs Service believes in, and that is why wherever we find ourselves, we make deliberate efforts to engage stakeholders and build strong partnerships,” he said.

According to him, journalists play a pivotal role in shaping public perception and promoting transparency, noting that the media can significantly influence the image and effectiveness of institutions.

“As a Customs officer, it is important for me to collaborate with journalists because I know the critical role they play in society. People often say that journalists can make or mar an organisation or an individual. That is why there is a need for mutual understanding and a good working relationship so that everyone can carry out their responsibilities effectively,” he stated.

Kaila assured the visiting journalists that his administration would sustain and strengthen the cordial relationship that already exists between the Command and maritime reporters.

The Customs boss also commended journalists for their support, revealing that intelligence provided by media practitioners had contributed immensely to some of the Command’s recent anti-smuggling operations.

“Many of the achievements we have recorded in recent weeks were aided by intelligence supplied by some of you. We acted promptly on the information, and by the grace of God, we recorded successes through the interception of some of those smuggled goods. I must sincerely thank you for that support,” he said.

On the issue of multiple checkpoints along the Seme-Abidjan Corridor, Kaila disclosed that he personally conducted an assessment of the route after reports emerged about the proliferation of roadblocks.

He acknowledged the existence of some unauthorised checkpoints but maintained that reports suggesting the presence of 50 or 60 checkpoints were exaggerated.

“When I saw the reports, I decided to verify them myself. Accompanied by my driver and another officer, I travelled from the Seme border through Badagry up to Ijanikin. I observed some checkpoints, but certainly not the 50 or 60 being reported.

“I will not say there are no checkpoints at all. If there were none, there would be no complaints. However, the figures being circulated are exaggerated,” he explained.

The Controller attributed many of the illegal checkpoints to individuals acting without the approval of their agencies and assured stakeholders that measures were already being taken to address the situation.

According to him, the Command has constituted a committee to monitor the corridor and identify officers operating outside approved locations.

“We are not sleeping on the matter. A committee is already in place to move around and ensure that anyone found where they are not supposed to be is dealt with appropriately. We will not allow anyone to constitute a nuisance on the road,” he said.

He added that the Customs Service was also engaging other security agencies to tackle the issue collectively and improve trade facilitation and the ease of movement along the international corridor.

Reaffirming his confidence in the media, Kaila urged journalists to continue upholding the principles of factual, balanced and responsible reporting.

Earlier, President of the Maritime Correspondents Organisation of Nigeria (MARCON), Ismail Aniemu, reaffirmed the association’s commitment to maintaining a cordial and professional relationship with the Nigeria Customs Service, particularly the Seme Area Command.

Aniemu assured the Controller of the support and cooperation of maritime journalists in promoting the activities of the Command through balanced and factual reportage.

He noted that the media and Customs share a common responsibility in advancing national economic and security objectives, adding that a stronger partnership would enhance public understanding of the Service’s operations while promoting transparency and accountability.

Describing the Seme border as one of Nigeria’s most strategic gateways and a critical artery for ECOWAS trade and regional integration, the MARCON President expressed confidence that Comptroller Kaila’s leadership would significantly improve trade facilitation, security and ease of movement along the corridor.

He also wished the Customs boss success in his efforts to sanitise the Seme border corridor and tackle the challenge of unauthorised checkpoints along the international trade route.