ECOWAS and the republic of Benin agree on urgent measures to improve operations at the Seme-Krake Joint Border Post (JBP) between the republic of Benin and the federal republic of Nigeria

The ECOWAS Commission’s Transport Directorate, in collaboration with the ECOWAS Resident Representative’s Office in Benin, brought together senior officials from ministries and agencies of the Republic of Benin in Cotonou on the November 18^th, 2025, to examine the challenges hindering the smooth operation and effectiveness of the Sème-Krake joint border post (JBP) Sème-Krake. This meeting follows a similar consultative meeting held in Abuja, Nigeria, with officials from ministries and agencies responsible for border control in the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Speaking on behalf of the President of the ECOWAS Commission, H.E. Dr. Omar A. Touré, Ambassador Amadou Diongue, ECOWAS Resident Representative in Benin, emphasized the crucial role of JBPs in facilitating regional trade and economic integration. He reminded Beninese officials of the commitment of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government, through the Supplementary Act on JBP and bilateral agreements, to ensure the effective functioning of the Sème-Krake Joint Border Post.

He also mentioned the visit by the President of the Commission in May 2025, during which several problems were identified as hindering the smooth operation of the JBP. The aim of this meeting was to establish a dialogue between the two governments in order to find sustainable and lasting solutions to improve the operations of the Sème-Krake JBP.

Among the key points discussed and approved at the meeting were the commitment of both member states to provide initial funds to ensure urgent maintenance and repair of defective equipment and minor renovations, while seeking sustainable financing mechanisms for the operation of the JBP. It was also agreed to establish a dedicated technical secretariat within the JBP to provide ongoing technical assistance to the Joint Management Committee and to monitor the implementation of improvement measures.

The ECOWAS Commission will continue to mobilize its partners to raise the necessary resources to replace the main defective heavy equipment and to conduct a rapid study on a more sustainable financing mechanism for the JBP, proposing concrete solutions. The meeting also agreed to ensure the revitalization of the Joint Management Committee.

The joint border posts located along the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor are key elements of the ECOWAS Commission’s transport governance program, which aims to increase intra-community trade, improve cross-border traffic flow, and reduce transport costs.