May 25, 2026
By Godwin Oritse
A retired Customs officer, Seyi Adeyemo, has raised concerns over the loss of billions in revenue allegedly caused by the Nigerian government’s trade restrictions at the Seme Border, despite the multi-billion-naira infrastructure upgrades supported by the World Bank.
Adeyemo also stated that the border post remains far below its economic potential, as ongoing trade restrictions continue to encourage smuggling and deprive the national treasury of significant revenue.
He explained that for years, Nigeria’s trade policy has relied heavily on a blunt and increasingly ineffective tool. Although aimed at protecting local industries and curbing illegal imports, developments at the busy yet troubled Seme Border continue to show that bans are rarely the most rewarding strategy for a country seeking to boost revenue generation.
