Why Nigeria Continues to Lose Revenue at Seme Border — Retired Customs Officer
Seyi Adeyemo says trade restrictions are fuelling smuggling and limiting the economic potential of Nigeria’s busiest land gateway despite major infrastructure investments.
A retired Customs officer, Seyi Adeyemo, has blamed Nigeria’s continued revenue losses at the Seme Border on restrictive trade policies that discourage formal trade while encouraging smuggling. He argued that replacing import bans with transparent, technology-driven tariffs could unlock billions in revenue and maximise recent infrastructure investments at the border.
A retired Customs officer, Seyi Adeyemo, has raised concerns over what he described as Nigeria’s continued loss of billions of naira in potential revenue at the Seme Border due to restrictive trade policies, despite major infrastructure upgrades supported by international and private investments.
Speaking on the economic impact of current border policies, Adeyemo said the Seme Border — one of Nigeria’s busiest and most modern land entry points linking Lagos with the Republic of Benin — remains significantly underutilised.
According to him, although the Federal Government has invested in border modernisation and benefited from World Bank-supported upgrades, trade restrictions on selected goods continue to limit legitimate commercial activities and reduce government earnings.
Adeyemo noted that private sector stakeholders, including logistics operators and regional trade organisations, have also committed substantial resources toward improving facilities such as warehouses, bonded terminals and trailer parks aimed at supporting smoother cross-border trade.
He argued that restrictions placed on certain imported products, particularly used vehicles, have not achieved their intended goals but instead created opportunities for illegal trade channels to thrive.
According to him, determined smugglers have continued operations through informal networks and alternative routes, while government loses out on revenue that could otherwise be generated through regulated import systems.
The retired officer suggested that Nigeria adopt a more transparent and technology-driven tariff framework capable of encouraging formal trade while improving customs revenue collection.
He maintained that stronger trade facilitation, rather than outright restrictions, could help reduce smuggling activities and improve economic returns.
Adeyemo further stated that Nigeria’s border management strategy should shift from restrictive policies toward a more flexible approach that balances enforcement with economic growth objectives.
He added that with its existing infrastructure and strategic location, Seme Border has the capacity to become a major revenue and trade hub for Nigeria and the wider West African region if supported by reforms that prioritise efficient taxation and legitimate commerce.
