The federal republic of Nigeria and Benin republic have agreed on a single-entry declaration form for border crossings between the two countries. The announcement was made by the area comptroller, Nigeria customs service (NCS), Kebbi, Iheanacho Earnest-Ojike after a closed-door meeting between NCS officials and representatives from Benin republic held in Anguwar Sule Wara, a border town in Benin republic, over the weekend.
During a press briefing, Earnest-Ojike recounted that this decision follows a prior meeting on May 21, where the foreign ministers from both countries discussed bilateral matters aimed at enhancing the smooth flow of trade and commerce between the two nations.
“The meeting aimed at bringing the border crossing between Tsamiya in Nigeria and Anguwar Sule Wara in Benin Republic back to life through infrastructural development in line with the renewed hope initiative of President Bola Tinubu.”
“The meeting now is in continuation and final agreement to the previous one, as we have now agreed to have a single-entry declaration form that citizens of both countries will use for border crossing.”
“Both countries are signatories to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and World Customs Organisation (WCO), which have the principles of border post,” he said.
He further explained that the two countries would establish a joint border agency inspection for goods and persons, stating, “it is going to be a one-stop border post at the Segbana border.”
The controller expressed optimism that the agreement would advance the course of regional integration between Nigeria and Benin republic.
