Nigeria, Benin and Cameroon are exploring a regional border-modernisation programme with the African Export-Import Bank, Afreximbank to improve cross-border trade, reduce processing delays and strengthen implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area, AfCFTA.
The initiative follows assessments of the Mfum–Ekok and Sèmè–Kraké border corridors and a benchmarking mission to Beitbridge Border Post in Zimbabwe, which highlighted infrastructure and operational gaps affecting efficient movement of goods.
The discussions were held at Afreximbank’s headquarters in Cairo, Egypt, on October 12, 2026, under the leadership of Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
Representatives of the three Customs administrations, Afreximbank and technical partners examined measures to improve digital infrastructure, harmonise Customs procedures, facilitate secure data exchange and upgrade border facilities.
The proposed interventions include cargo scanners, weighbridges, access roads, reliable electricity, telecommunications, traffic management systems and modern cargo-processing facilities.
At Mfum–Ekok, the assessment identified unreliable electricity and connectivity, inadequate information technology equipment, cybersecurity gaps, and delays in commissioning scanners and coordinating single-stop border processing.
At Sèmè–Kraké, challenges included incomplete joint procedures, limited live data exchange, non-functional cargo-scanning and weighing facilities, traffic congestion, inconsistent operating hours and uncertainty over responsibility for maintaining shared infrastructure.
The Beitbridge experience underscored the importance of integrating traffic management, pre-arrival processing, risk-based inspections, electronic payments, transit monitoring and effective maintenance into border operations.
A key part of the programme is the proposed Customs Declaration Exchange System (CDES), which would enable secure information sharing among Nigeria’s B’Odogwu platform, Benin’s Customs Webb and Cameroon’s CAMCIS.
The system is designed to allow export information from one country to support advance preparation of import-manifest information in the destination country, reducing duplication and improving the predictability of cross-border transactions.
However, further technical configuration, system integration, security checks and pilot acceptance are required before the platform can be deployed. Customs authorities in receiving countries would retain responsibility for validating information, conducting risk assessments and authorising cargo clearance.
Afreximbank proposed a two-stage project-preparation process, beginning with independent engineering assessments and cost studies at the two border posts, followed by the development of separate investment proposals for the Nigeria-Benin and Nigeria-Cameroon corridors.
The process could include transaction advisory services, legal due diligence, financial modelling and the identification of suitable financing and implementation arrangements. The bank also outlined the possible use of its Project Preparation Facility.
Technical partners TMP and Bergmans Security Consultants and Supplies Limited expressed willingness in principle to consider financing the preparatory work.
No final project cost, lending commitment, borrower designation, financing arrangement or implementation contract was agreed at the meeting.
Participants instead identified the need for direct site inspections, designated technical focal points and a timetable setting out actions for the next one, three and six months.
The NCS said it would continue working with Customs authorities in Benin and Cameroon, Afreximbank and other partners to advance the assessments and develop sustainable solutions for the two corridors.
The programme is intended to improve cargo visibility, strengthen coordinated border management and make cross-border trade more efficient in support of AfCFTA.