The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Republic of Benin Customs Administration have reinforced their partnership by adopting geospatial technology to improve border security, enhance surveillance and promote legitimate trade along their shared border.
The collaboration was highlighted during a meeting held at the ECOWAS Conference Hall at the Seme-Krake Joint Border Post.
Speaking at the meeting, the Customs Area Controller of the Seme Area Command, Comptroller Abdullahi Kaila, described the initiative as a major step toward strengthening border management, facilitating trade and addressing security challenges along one of West Africa’s busiest trade routes.
Kaila said the use of geospatial technology will provide customs authorities with improved intelligence and operational capabilities to combat smuggling and other cross-border crimes more effectively.
Also speaking, the Head of Geospatial at the Nigeria Customs Service, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Labaran Ahmed, said the project will serve as a pilot for the Service’s border management application using the World Customs Organisation (WCO) satellite platform.
According to Ahmed, the technology will enable customs officials to identify vulnerable sections of the border and deploy personnel more strategically for targeted operations and improved enforcement outcomes.
