Freight forwarders operating at Seme Border have written a letter to the Federal Government, urging the reopening of the border for vehicle importation.

Ibrahim Musa, the Director of Road Transport at the Federal Ministry of Transportation, revealed this during a meeting between Nigerian and Benin officials organized by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

According to Musa, the freight forwarders made the appeal to the former Minister of State for Transportation during his recent visit to the border, requesting the reactivation of the border.

A memorandum was prepared based on their request and was subsequently approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

Musa stated that the approval for reopening the border has been left to the new government to take action upon, as promised by FEC.

Dera Nnadi, the Customs Area Controller in charge of Seme Command, also addressed the meeting and highlighted a decline in revenue since the ban on vehicle imports through land borders.

Nnadi mentioned that the former Minister of Transportation had promised to present their requests to FEC, including the full reopening of the border.

Nnadi further informed that customs had dismantled illegal checkpoints along the border, and the Border Control unit of the Nigerian Police Force had pledged to do the same.

In addition, Nnadi urged the Federal Government to complete the construction of the highway from Lagos to Seme Border, emphasizing that its completion would enhance trade and investment in the Abidjan-Lagos corridor.