The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is increasing its efforts to promote the free movement of people and goods across West Africa. This initiative aims to strengthen regional integration and trade by implementing the ECOWAS Protocol on Free Movement of Persons, Goods, and Services.
On May 7, 2025, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, visited the Nigeria-Benin border at Lagos/Seme. The purpose was to evaluate how well the protocol is being implemented and to engage with border officials, national authorities, and community citizens.
Dr. Touray met with representatives from Nigeria and Benin as well as other stakeholders to discuss improving operational efficiency along the Lagos-Seme corridor. He was joined by Ambassador Musa S. Nuhu, Permanent Representative of Nigeria to ECOWAS; Mr. Albert Siaw-Boateng, Director of Free Movement at the ECOWAS Commission; Mr. Abdou Kolley, Director of Cabinet in the Office of the ECOWAS President; among others.
The delegation inspected infrastructure at the Seme-Krake Joint Border Post and interacted with customs and immigration personnel from both countries. Dr. Touray emphasized that first-hand assessments are crucial for understanding existing challenges.
“This visit is important to ECOWAS in many ways," said Dr. Touray. "It has enabled us to see how the ECOWAS Protocol on Free Movement is being implemented at this very important corridor which is the busiest in the region."
He also highlighted issues such as non-functional facilities despite significant investments: “We can’t continue to have expensive infrastructure...not having them work.”
Dr. Touray stressed that proper documentation remains necessary for free movement: “I want to use this opportunity...to always bear in mind that free movement does not mean no documentation.”
Ambassador Musa S. Nuhu praised Dr. Touray's visit and mentioned Nigeria’s efforts through a Presidential Task Force aimed at removing illegal checkpoints along this corridor.
Customs officials from both countries welcomed Dr. Touray’s visit while requesting support for repairing key infrastructure like scanners and electricity systems.
The ECOWAS Commission remains committed to initiatives enhancing trade, mobility, security, deeper integration within West Africa for better livelihoods among community citizens.
Alerts Sign-up