President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Touray, has condemned the dilapidated state of infrastructure at the Nigeria-Bénin Republic Seme Border, describing it as an embarrassing failure despite heavy investment by the regional bloc.

Touray made the remarks during an on-the-spot assessment visit to the Seme Border — one of West Africa’s busiest and most critical trade corridors — where he expressed frustration over idle multimillion-dollar equipment, poor maintenance, and policy gaps undermining the ECOWAS Protocol on Free Movement of Goods and Services.

“This is one of the busiest and most strategic border posts in West Africa, yet we are faced with expensive facilities — scanners, lighting systems, bridges — that are simply not working. That is unacceptable,” Touray said. “We cannot justify millions spent on equipment that lies idle. Our citizens expect results, not excuses.”

While emphasizing that ECOWAS is responsible for infrastructure delivery, he firmly placed the burden of upkeep on member states. “If a lightbulb goes out, ECOWAS should not be called to replace it. Member states must step up and take ownership,” he declared.

Rusting Scanners, No Water, Total Darkness

His remarks were echoed by Dr. Ben Oramalugo, Comptroller of the Nigeria Customs Service at the Seme Border, who detailed a litany of failings: non-functional scanners, unlit pedestrian passages vulnerable to criminal activity, no water supply, and complete dependence on electricity from the Benin Republic.

“There is no electricity from Nigeria at all. We are not connected to the national grid. This is Nigeria’s number one border, connecting the entire Francophone region, yet we operate in darkness,” Oramalugo lamented. “This road tells the story of Nigeria. What people see here reflects on all of us.”

Multiple Checkpoints, Corruption, and Policy Failure

Touray also raised concerns over the proliferation of security checkpoints, saying they contradict the very spirit of the ECOWAS free movement protocol and open the door to corruption.

“Why do we have multiple customs and immigration posts for the same corridor? It frustrates travellers, delays trade, and creates opportunities for corruption,” he stated. “If any fee is legitimate, it must be receipted. Period!”

He further clarified that free movement does not mean a lawless zone. “Proper identification and customs documentation are still essential. Security and freedom must go hand in hand.”

Task Force Coming to Dismantle Checkpoints

Ambassador Musa Nuhu, Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to ECOWAS, confirmed that President Bola Tinubu had approved the formation of a presidential task force to eliminate unnecessary checkpoints. “This committee, under the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, will soon begin work to address this issue,” he said.

Touray’s visit concluded with engagements with local residents, border officials, and commuters, giving the ECOWAS chief firsthand insight into the disconnect between regional policies and local realities.

Bottom Line: Despite its critical role in regional integration, the Seme Border paints a stark picture of infrastructure failure, poor coordination, and missed economic opportunities — a wake-up call for Nigeria and ECOWAS alike