By Oluwakemi Kindness
Nigeria, Benin and Cameroon are developing a digital Customs data-sharing system to reduce border delays, eliminate duplication and facilitate cross-border trade.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) disclosed this in a statement on Sunday by its spokesperson, Abdullahi Maiwada, following discussions with the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and Customs authorities from the two countries in Cairo, Egypt.
The proposed Customs Declaration Exchange System will link Nigeria’s B’Odogwu platform with Benin’s Customs Webb and Cameroon’s CAMCIS, enabling export declarations from one country to support advance import processing in another.
According to the NCS, the initiative is expected to make cross-border transactions more predictable while improving coordination among Customs administrations.
However, each country will retain responsibility for validating declarations, assessing risks and authorising cargo clearance.
Although the system has undergone development and technical testing, further integration, security checks and pilot acceptance are required before it can be deployed.
The discussions also focused on infrastructure challenges affecting two major border corridors: Mfum–Ekok between Nigeria and Cameroon, and Sèmè–Kraké between Nigeria and Benin.
Assessments at Mfum–Ekok identified unreliable electricity, poor internet connectivity and inadequate information technology infrastructure. At Sèmè–Kraké, challenges included non-functional cargo scanners and weighing facilities, traffic congestion and incomplete joint border procedures.
To address the shortcomings, Afreximbank proposed independent engineering assessments and cost studies, followed by separate modernisation plans for the two corridors.
The meeting, led by Comptroller-General of Customs Adewale Adeniyi, also considered potential financing arrangements and regional transit guarantees.
However, no final project cost, lending commitment or implementation contract was agreed upon.
Participants resolved to conduct site inspections, designate technical focal points and develop an implementation roadmap covering the next one, three and six months.
The initiative forms part of broader efforts to strengthen regional Customs cooperation and facilitate legitimate trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), with digital integration expected to improve efficiency across participating countries’ borders.
