Wale Adenuga, the newly appointed Customs Area Comptroller of the Seme Command, has denounced the proliferation of security checkpoints along the Lagos–Badagry Expressway, characterizing them as a national embarrassment and a significant hindrance to trade and movement. His comments were made during a stakeholders’ engagement in Seme, where a Badagry youth leader also disclosed plans by local youths to organize a protest against the situation if it continues.
Addressing the gathering, which brought together security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders, business stakeholders, and youth representatives, Comptroller Adenuga conveyed deep-seated concern about the excessive number of checkpoints along the busy route, staffed by multiple security agencies.
The Lagos–Badagry Expressway is experiencing disturbing time wastage. It is disconcerting to observe 10 immigration checkpoints, 20 police checkpoints, and 15 customs points, all performing identical functions,” Adenuga lamented. “Enough is enough. We should have the fear of God in our hearts. With the support of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, I will not rest until these checkpoints are reduced to the barest minimum.”
He pointed out that the engagement was intended to foster open dialogue among stakeholders and enhance collaboration towards improving border security and trade facilitation. “We must confront the harsh reality. The more we facilitate legitimate trade, the more advantageous it is for our country. When trade thrives, crime reduces,” he added.
Speaking on behalf of the military formations in the area, Group Captain M. Medugu of the Nigerian Air Force Forward Operations Base in Ahanve, Badagry, pledged the military’s support for the Customs Service in addressing the issue.
Tunde Giro, representing the Akran of Badagry as the Depegan of Badagry Kingdom, also spoke, revealing that youths in the area were already planning a protest over what they described as the excesses of security operatives along the corridor. He accused the officers of causing unnecessary delays and extorting commuters, urging the Customs Comptroller to urgently intervene.
Joseph Agoro, a community leader from Apa, shared similar concerns, stating that the actions of security operatives are damaging Nigeria’s reputation and hindering regional trade. He observed that most conflicts along the border route are instigated by “camp boys” hired by some security agencies.
Yusuf Bashir, Chairman of the Community Development Committee (CDC) in Badagry-West LCDA, appealed to the Customs Service to provide host communities with basic infrastructure as part of efforts to strengthen cooperation.
On behalf of Nigeria’s Ambassador to Benin Republic, Olukayode Aluko, Defence Attaché Col. S. Yahaya gave assurance that the meeting’s recommendations would be duly implemented.
In attendance at the meeting were representatives from the Nigerian Army, Immigration Service, NDLEA, Federal Road Safety Corps, traditional rulers, trade associations, and freight forwarders.
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