Customs Brokers Urge Compliance, Seek Stable Policies to Boost Seme Border Trade

Victoria Silvanus

Freight forwarders under the aegis of the Nigeria Licensed Customs Brokers, Seme Border Chapter, have called on traders and other stakeholders to embrace compliance with trade regulations, engage only verified Customs professionals, and reject illicit trade practices, stressing that sustainable business growth depends on transparent and lawful trade procedures.

The appeal was made during a sensitisation programme on trade facilitation procedures, anti-smuggling awareness, and the consequences of illicit trade held at the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex, Lagos.

The programme attracted officials of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), market leaders, traders, freight forwarders, foreign business operators, particularly Chinese nationals, and licensed Customs brokers.

Participants were educated on the dangers of smuggling, the economic impact of illicit trade, and the need to comply with import and export regulations to safeguard businesses and national economic interests.

Speaking during a paper presentation at the event, Chairman of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Seme Border Chapter, Alhaji Wasiu Abioye, emphasized the need for strict adherence to trade regulations and professional conduct among clearing agents.

According to him, the growth of legitimate cross-border trade depends on compliance with Customs procedures, accurate documentation, and the engagement of licensed professionals in cargo clearance processes.

Beyond the anti-smuggling campaign, participants raised concerns over challenges affecting cross-border trade at the Seme Border. They called for seamless cargo clearance procedures and more stable Federal Government policies, particularly for goods imported through ports in neighbouring West African countries before being transported into Nigeria.

Stakeholders noted that policy consistency and efficient border operations are critical to reducing delays, lowering business costs, and improving the competitiveness of legitimate traders operating along the West African trade corridor.

The Executive Director of the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex Management Board (LITFMB), Barrister Veronica Safiya Ndanusi, who attended the event alongside industry stakeholders, commended efforts aimed at promoting lawful trade practices and strengthening collaboration between regulatory agencies and the business community.

She described the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex as a major commercial hub where traders, importers, manufacturers, distributors, and other key players in the value chain converge to conduct business and drive economic activities.

According to her, "The Trade Fair Complex is the commercial hub where traders, importers, manufacturers, distributors and other stakeholders meet to transact business, exchange ideas and contribute to the growth of the nation's economy."

Ndanusi noted that sensitisation programmes such as the one organised by freight forwarders help to improve awareness of trade regulations, promote compliance, and create a more conducive environment for legitimate businesses to thrive.

Participants also urged traders to seek professional guidance from licensed Customs brokers when processing import and export transactions, noting that ignorance of Customs procedures often exposes businesses to avoidable losses, penalties, and delays.

At the end of the deliberations, stakeholders agreed that consistent government policies, professional conduct by clearing agents, reliable regulatory information, and sustained engagement with traders would be critical to restoring confidence in the Seme Border as a viable trade gateway along the Lagos–Abidjan Corridor.

They maintained that a predictable policy environment, improved trade facilitation measures, and stronger collaboration among government agencies, freight forwarders, and the trading community would help curb smuggling, enhance revenue generation, facilitate legitimate trade, and strengthen Nigeria's position as a key player in regional commerce.