The President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, is not happy! He’s calling out the numerous checkpoints on the Lagos-Cotonou route, saying they go against the rules for free movement of people and goods. This issue is causing headaches for travelers and traders alike.
- ECOWAS President’s Complaint: Too many checkpoints are slowing down travel and trade.
- Location: Lagos-Cotonou Corridor
- Allegations: Unofficial payments demanded by officials at roadblocks.
- Scanner Issues: A multi-billion Naira cargo scanner is sitting idle.
- Call to Action: Enforce free movement with integrity and stop the extortion.
ECOWAS President Sounds the Alarm
During a recent visit to the Lagos-Seme border, Dr. Touray met with transporters, traders, and security personnel. He questioned why there were so many checkpoints *after* customs had already cleared people at the main border. Is it really necessary?
“If customs does its job at the border, why the need for constant re-checks along the way?” Dr. Touray asked. He emphasized the need to ease the burden on ECOWAS citizens. Those multiple stops? They are a waste of manpower and a huge inconvenience.
Tales from the Road: A Driver’s Nightmare
Imagine this: over 30 roadblocks between Badagry and the Seme border. Road users are reporting that they’re constantly being asked to cough up unofficial payments to police, customs, and immigration officers. It’s like navigating a gauntlet of demands!
Immigration Responds: Valid Documents, Please!
Assistant Superintendent of Immigration Asokhere S.O. is pushing back on the extortion claims. He insists his officers are just checking for valid travel documents. He wants Dr. Touray to help educate people on the difference between free movement and just waltzing across borders without proper ID.
Millions Wasted: The Case of the Idle Cargo Scanner
Things get worse. Dr. Touray was shocked to discover that a cargo scanner, costing a whopping N3.54 billion, has been out of service since 2018! He called the situation “unacceptable.”
“We can’t let expensive equipment like this just rot away,” he said. “The community won’t forgive us if we don’t get this fixed!” It’s a waste of resources that could be used to improve border efficiency.
Security vs. Extortion: Finding the Balance
Dr. Touray understands the need for security but is adamant that security checks shouldn’t be a cover for demanding bribes. He emphasized the importance of issuing official receipts for any money collected.
“Opening bags and inspecting is one thing; asking for unofficial fees is a different ballgame,” he stated. Free movement shouldn’t mean no documentation, but it also shouldn’t mean endless demands for cash.
The Bigger Picture: ECOWAS and Free Movement
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) was established in 1975 to promote economic integration in all fields of activity of the constituting countries. One of the main pillars is the free movement of people and goods across member states. The roadblocks and alleged extortion directly undermine this goal, hindering trade and frustrating citizens. The community has a population of approximately 400 million people.
What’s Next?
Dr. Touray’s visit highlights the urgent need to address these issues. It remains to be seen whether his words will translate into concrete action. Will the checkpoints be reduced? Will the cargo scanner be repaired? Will the alleged extortion be stopped? The people are watching.
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