Nigerian Importers to Gain Access to Cotonou Ports for Goods Clearance

In a significant development for Nigerian importers, Adewale Adeniyi, the acting Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, announced on Tuesday that they would soon have the option to clear their goods from the ports in Cotonou, Benin Republic.

This announcement came after a productive two-day working visit by high-ranking officials, including the director-general, from the customs service of Benin Republic.

During the visit, customs authorities from both nations deliberated on several crucial agreements aimed at enhancing trade relations between Nigeria and Benin Republic while also taking steps to combat smuggling activities.

Adeniyi highlighted the rationale behind this pivotal move, stating, “We are building confidence in the system offered by the Republic of Benin, our importers are using their ports and vice-versa. If there are people in Benin Republic who want to use our ports, we try to build trust in our systems.”

Under the proposed agreement, Nigerian importers will have the option to clear their goods at the Cotonou ports. This means that they can pay the requisite duties on goods liable for such payments directly at the Cotonou ports and subsequently have their goods enter Nigeria.

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The customs chief assured that this collaboration goes beyond merely vehicles, as it encompasses all types of goods arriving at Cotonou ports, and duties can be assessed and paid there. Adeniyi also emphasized the need to establish a timeline to actualize this agreement.

This progressive partnership between Nigeria and Benin Republic is set to have a profound impact on customs administration, trade facilitation, and regional cooperation, ushering in a new era for Nigerian importers and regional trade relations.