By Nkechi Eze
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), in collaboration with the Customs administrations of Benin Republic and Cameroon, has advanced discussions with the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) on digital border reforms aimed at improving cross-border data exchange, streamlining Customs procedures and facilitating regional trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The discussions were led by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, during a high-level working engagement at Afreximbank’s headquarters in Cairo, Egypt, on October 12, 2026. According to an official statement signed by the Deputy Comptroller of Customs and National Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Maiwada, the meeting followed a benchmarking mission to Beitbridge Border Post in Zimbabwe and technical assessments of the Mfum–Ekok and Sèmè–Kraké border corridors.
A key focus of the engagement was the proposed Customs Declaration Exchange System (CDES), designed to facilitate secure information exchange among Nigeria’s B’Odogwu platform, Benin’s Customs Webb and Cameroon’s CAMCIS.
The system is expected to enable export information generated in one country to support the advance preparation of import-manifest information in the receiving country, reducing duplication, improving cargo visibility and making cross-border transactions more predictable.
Under the proposed arrangement, the receiving Customs administration will retain responsibility for validating the exchanged information, applying national requirements, conducting risk assessments and authorising clearance.
Although development and technical testing of the system have been undertaken, further country-specific configuration, application programming interface integration, security assurance and pilot acceptance remain necessary before deployment.
The three Customs administrations and Afreximbank also explored ways to integrate digital infrastructure with physical border facilities and harmonised operating procedures to improve the efficiency of regional trade.
Discussions covered investments in cargo scanners, weighbridges, access roads, reliable electricity, internet connectivity, traffic management systems and modern border-processing facilities, alongside secure data exchange and institutional capacity development.
Assessments of the Mfum–Ekok border corridor between Nigeria and Cameroon identified gaps in electricity supply, connectivity, information technology equipment, cybersecurity, technical support, scanner commissioning and coordinated single-stop processing.
At the Sèmè–Kraké border corridor between Nigeria and Benin, the assessment highlighted incomplete joint procedures and live data exchange, non-functional cargo-scanning and weighing facilities, unreliable electricity, traffic congestion, inconsistent operating hours and unresolved responsibilities for maintaining shared infrastructure.
The statement noted that the July 2026 benchmarking mission to Beitbridge Border Post demonstrated the importance of integrating digital systems with pre-arrival processing, risk-based controls, cargo scanning, transit monitoring, electronic payments and effective border governance.
To support implementation, Afreximbank proposed a two-stage approach beginning with independent engineering assessments and investment-cost studies at the two border posts, followed by the development of separate bankable project packages for the Nigeria–Benin and Nigeria–Cameroon corridors.
The proposed project-preparation process would include transaction advisory services, legal due diligence, financial modelling and the identification of appropriate financing and implementation arrangements.
Afreximbank also outlined the potential use of its Project Preparation Facility, while technical partners TMP and Bergmans Security Consultants and Supplies Limited expressed willingness in principle to consider self-financing the preparatory work.
However, the engagement did not result in a final project cost, lending commitment, financing agreement or implementation contract.
Participants agreed on the need for direct site inspections, designated technical focal points, a one-, three- and six-month implementation roadmap, and a dated action matrix to guide subsequent engagements.
The Nigeria Customs Service reaffirmed its commitment to working with its counterparts in Benin and Cameroon, Afreximbank and other technical partners to advance the required assessments and develop sustainable solutions for the two border corridors.
The initiative is expected to strengthen coordinated border management, improve the exchange of trade information, reduce procedural duplication and support the development of an integrated African trading environment in line with AfCFTA objectives.
