. Plan Nigeria-Benin joint commission
By Abimbola Abdullahi
Stakeholders in cross-border trade in the West African corridor have concluded plans to cite a new export village in Badagry area of Lagos.
The group, comprising the West African Association for Cross-Border Trade and Agro-Forestry-Pastoral, Fishery Products and Food (WACTAF), Badagry Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (BACCIMA), and Customs brokers, in a communiqué after a consultative meeting in Badagry emphasized the need for establishment of Nigeria-Benin Joint Commission in a bid to facilitate regional trade across borders.
The communiqué jointly signed by Former Ambassador of Nigeria to Benin Republic, and Chairman of the proposed Nigeria-Benin Joint Commission, Oguntuase Kayode and Secretary, Steering Committee, Nigeria-Benin Joint Commission, Yetunde Oduntan-Kwedje, stated that Badagry represents Lagos-Abidjan Corridor which covers 70% of trade in Lagos State.
Besides, the meeting noted that Badagry has two major borders – Seme and Owode-Apa, which are the two most important borders in the southern region and the country as a whole.
The stakeholders lamented that the closure of borders affected trade and commerce of Nigeria and Benin Republic, hence the need for a commission to sort out the cross-border trade issues.
Citing different hubs for the proposed commission in the six geographical locations of the country, the stakeholders said the joint commission would have commitments with the border community leaders.
Other resolutions at the meeting include: meeting with necessary authorities to write letters of appeal for funds to drive the commission; identifying and securing land space for trailer park in Badagry; formation of the joint commission will be based on socio-cultural information, maritime, skills, development, education, business and commerce, among others.
Executive Chairman, WACTAF, Alhaji Nassiru Alasoadua Salami, had earlier said that the establishment of the Nigeria- Benin Commission was long overdue.
Alasoadura said the commission stands a chance to change the narrative for the Nigeria-Benin borders, noting that the current situations at the borders are not palatable.
