Nigeria, Benin Republic Customs Strengthen Trade Ties with Launch of SIGMAT Transit Connectivity

Nigeria, Benin Republic Customs Strengthen Trade Ties with Launch of SIGMAT Transit Connectivity

In a significant advancement towards achieving regional economic integration and robust and efficient customs operational trade processes in the West African sub-region, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has officially launched the Interconnected System for the Management of Goods in Transit (SIGMAT) connectivity with her Benin Republic counterpart.

The Interconnected System for the management of Goods in transit (SIGMAT) which was launched yesterday Monday, May 19, 2025 at the Seme-Krake Joint border in a resonating atmosphere, witnessed attendance by dignitaries from both nations, the ECOWAS Commission, and development partners, and other relevant stakeholders from both countries.

The Comptroller-General of Customs,(CGC) Adewale Adeniyi MFR who delivered the keynote address, described the initiative as a major milestone in West Africa’s collective quest for seamless trade integration and digital modernization of Customs procedures.

During the ceremony, the Nigerian Customs boss, disclosed that the project, which was an ECOWAS initiative, is aimed at digitalising and harmonizing customs transit operations across member states will soon be deployed to Nigerian strategic borders such as Idiroko, Chikanda and katsina.

Adeniyi noted that implementation of the project with the support of ECOWAS Commission and German Development Cooperation (GIZ), had earlier began with pilot deployments in countries such as, Burkina Faso, Niger, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, Ghana and Togo.

He explained that with the project, there will be improved visibility of goods in transit, combating diversion and fraud along Corridor, enhanced inter-agency coordination, simplify border procedures and reduce delays, facilitation of trade, while securing state revenue.

“SIGMAT, a flagship project of ECOWAS, aims to digitize and harmonize Customs transit operations across member states.

“The system enhances the visibility of goods in transit, combats fraud, streamlines border procedures, and strengthens inter-agency coordination.

“Nigeria’s preparedness for the launch includes the development of a dedicated SIGMAT application by the NCS technical team, integration with the Unified Customs Management System (B’Odogwu Application), secure connectivity with Benin, and successful message exchanges through the ECOWAS eHub hosted in Togo”, Adeniyi said.

Key achievements highlighted by the CGC include successful technical testing of real-time message exchange between Nigeria and Benin, mapping and harmonization of entry/exit points at the Seme-Krake border, and enhanced collaboration between the Nigeria and Benin customs administrations. These developments demonstrate the potential of SIGMAT to improve customs operations and trade facilitation in the region.

However, Adeniyi acknowledged challenges such as delays in technical feedback, variations in ICT maturity at other border posts, language barriers, and the need for broader stakeholder sensitization. To consolidate progress, the NCS proposed expanding SIGMAT deployment to additional border locations, strengthening bilateral technical engagement, and collaborating on capacity-building efforts with ECOWAS and GIZ.

The Customs boss also plans to create a joint monitoring task force to ensure effective implementation of SIGMAT. This will help to address any challenges that may arise and ensure that the system operates smoothly.

He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to ECOWAS digital trade facilitation and expressed optimism about the platform’s expansion to include multimodal transport corridors such as seaports and airports.

“The launch of SIGMAT connectivity marks a new era of customs cooperation and regional trade facilitation in West Africa. With its potential to improve Customs operations, reduce trade costs, and enhance economic integration, SIGMAT is a significant step toward achieving the ECOWAS vision of a single market”

The event concluded with the official declaration of the SIGMAT connectivity launch, symbolizing a new era of cooperation and trade facilitation in the region.

“On behalf of the Nigeria Customs Service, I declare the SIGMAT Connectivity between

Nigeria and the Republic of Benin officially launched”, the CGC declared.