Nigeria, Benin Joint Border Post Symbol Of Integration- Buhari
President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday described the newly unveiled Joint Border Post at Seme-Krake, Badagry, Lagos State as a symbol of integration between Nigeria and Benin Republic.
President Muhammadu Buhari, who is also the Chairman, ECOWAS Heads of State in his address at the ceremony lauded the European Union for its commitment to the development of the sub-region.
He said “It is a symbol of integration which brings together the people of Nigeria and Benin.’’
According to him, the EU had apart from funding the Seme-Kakre border post, also provided funds for similar projects at Noepe-Akanu (Ghana/Togo) and Malanville JBP (Benin /Niger).
“The Seme-Krake Joint Border Post is located on the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor, which represents about 70 per cent of the sub-region’s total transit trade.
“The JBP will serve a significant population in the two beneficiary countries of Nigeria and Benin with an estimated population of over 200 million,” he said.
The president pointed out that the JBP would facilitate seamless movements of persons, goods and services between both countries and improve regional integration which was one of the objectives of ECOWAS.
In his address, the President of Benin, Patrice Talon, said both countries had maintained common boundary, saying the new JBP would create an easier life for citizens and other travellers.
“Our police administrations will cooperate more easily to ensure our safety. Our customs administrations will be more efficient in their mission.
“In short, bringing our border administrations together in one space and connecting them to each other will help improve the performance of our respective administrations and the comfort of the movement of people and their goods.”
Earlier, the Head, EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, , Ketil Karlsen said the project was a reflection of the priority that the EU was giving to the African continent.
Karsen added that free movement of people and goods would create new opportunities and jobs for the people, saying “What is good for ECOWAS, what is good for Nigeria, what is good for Benin, is also good for the EU.”
The project which began in 2011 was financed by the European Union Commission under the Transport Facilitation Programme at an estimated cost of €18.2 million.
