Alhaji Yahaya Idris, President of Badagry Chamber of Commerce Industry Mines and Agriculture (BACCIMA) has urged the Federal Government to expedite actions on Badagry Deep Seaport project.
Idris made the call during a courtesy visit to the new Controller, Seme Area Command, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS),
Comptroller Kayode Kolade, in his office in Seme, on Tuesday.
He said that the multi-billion-dollar deep seaport was a project with a lot of prospects for Badagry.
“The residents of Badagry and other communities are tired of waiting endlessly for the project to commence.
“We want to use this medium to appeal to the Nigerian Customs Service to be one of the vanguards for the quick development of the project.
“BACCIMA has previously written letters to the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to speed up the development.
“The timely completion of the project will equally enhance revenue generation for the Federal Government and reduce smuggling along this axis,” he said.
According to him, the continued closure of the Seme border to vehicle importation has has profound and far-reaching economic consequences.
“In Nigeria alone, this has resulted in a loss of potential revenue, and for our Chamber, it has meant watching the lifeblood of trade slowly dissipate, leaving businesses in hardship and local economies struggling.
“We respectfully request that you lend your voice in policy advocacy to this cause.
“Open borders have a multiplier effect on employment – effectively reducing unemployment and youth restfulness which by extension enhances security, providing livelihoods for thousands and fostering a vibrant economy.
“We are aware that before the border closure, vehicle importation amounted to almost 60 per cent of revenue generated by Nigeria
Customs at the Seme border.
“Neighbouring regions that keep their borders open have enjoyed greater GDP growth, higher employment rates and sustainable development,” he said.
The BACCIMA President said the voice of the controller of Seme Area Command in support of a renewed policy on border operations in this area would be a significant step toward revitalising this vital trade corridor.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that he and his team also visited the Seme Command of Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) where they were received by Comptroller Abdullahi Adamu.
Idris commended the critical role of immigration in enhancing cross-border trade along the Lagos-Abidjan corridor — a region with vast potential for economic growth, employment, and shared prosperity.
According to him, cross-border
trade thrives not only on the movement of goods but also on the smooth passage of traders, business owners, and their employees and BACCIMA sees immense value in partnering with the immigration authorities.
“This is to enable more streamlined movement, which would directly support economic growth in the region without compromising security,” he said.
He said that the Chamber would wish to lend its voice again to the introduction of a biometric identification card system specifically for registered traders.
Responding, the Comptroller praised the BACCIMA delegate for their proactive activities in Badagry Division and majorly on the issue of Cross Border Trade.
NAN reports that the entourage of BACCIMA President included Mr Asamu Fadipe, the First Deputy President of the Chamber and Mrs Adenike Alade, Director of Communications, BACCIMA. (NAN)
