The Abidjan-Lagos Corridor, a crucial trade route within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), faces a paradox: despite generating substantial trade volume exceeding 200,000 tons of goods annually, its efficiency is hampered by a combination of infrastructural deficiencies and administrative bottlenecks. This situation underscores the urgent need for improvements in both physical infrastructure and regulatory frameworks to unlock the corridor’s full potential. The current high transit levies, particularly those imposed by the Republic of Benin, contribute to the challenges faced by traders. These levies, coupled with non-functional scanners and weighbridges at border crossings, create an environment ripe for exploitation and revenue loss for both traders and customs authorities.
A key concern highlighted by Salami Nasiru Alasoadua, Vice President in charge of National and International Affairs and Coordinator of the Eastern Corridor of West African Cross Border Traders, is the lack of a functional weighbridge and tollgates on the Nigerian side of the corridor. This absence allows transporters to flout axle load regulations with impunity, contributing to the deterioration of the road infrastructure – the very infrastructure vital for the corridor’s success. Penalizing those who disregard these regulations is crucial for preserving the road network and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the corridor. The current improvised estimation of goods’ weight, due to the non-functional weighbridge, leads to inconsistencies and potentially unfair assessments for traders, while also impacting customs revenue collection.
Beyond the immediate border crossing challenges, the corridor suffers from a lack of basic amenities and services. Erratic electricity supply, the absence of customs connectivity for information sharing between Nigeria and Benin (despite sharing a building), the lack of fire brigade services, and unstable internet connectivity on the Nigerian side all contribute to an inefficient and potentially hazardous operating environment. These shortcomings underscore the need for investment in basic infrastructure and collaborative efforts between the two countries to address these issues.
The absence of coordinated customs procedures and information sharing further complicates trade. Despite operating within the same building, Nigerian and Beninese customs authorities lack a system for seamless data exchange. This disconnect hinders efficient processing and creates opportunities for delays and discrepancies. Moreover, the lack of fire services presents a significant safety risk for traders and their goods, especially considering the volume of flammable materials that are often transported. The unreliable internet connectivity, fluctuating between Nigerian and Beninese networks or even resorting to roaming, adds another layer of complexity and cost to traders’ operations.
The West African Cross Border Traders Association (WACTAF) is actively working towards resolving these challenges, engaging with relevant ministries and establishing a dedicated Benin-Nigeria commission to address the specific issues hindering trade flow. This intervention underscores the recognition of the corridor’s importance and the commitment to improving its operational efficiency. Alongside improvements in infrastructure and regulatory frameworks, WACTAF also emphasizes the need for greater organization within the private sector. This includes adherence to load regulations, ensuring proper documentation for vehicles and drivers, and adopting best practices for cross-border trade.
The multitude of checkpoints between Mile 2 and Seme, a distance of just 100 kilometers, drastically extends travel time for traders. A journey that should take a few hours often stretches into two days, demonstrating the cumulative impact of bureaucratic delays and inefficient procedures. This excessive travel time not only increases transportation costs but also affects the quality and shelf life of perishable goods, further impacting traders’ profitability and competitiveness. Addressing this issue requires streamlining border crossing procedures, reducing unnecessary checkpoints, and promoting greater cooperation between border officials and traders. The successful resolution of these challenges is paramount to realizing the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor’s full economic potential and fostering seamless trade within the ECOWAS region.
