Traders at Badagry checkpoints decry harassment, call for intervention

The Building Material Sellers Association of Badagry has called on the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, to address the alleged impounding of its vehicles conveying iron and steel products by Customs officials operating along the Badagry-Seme border.

In a statement signed by its representative, John Whesu, the association appealed for urgent intervention to prevent the situation from escalating into a breakdown of law and order.

Whesu noted that the repeated harassment of buyers and sellers of iron and steel products, which are locally manufactured in Nigeria, was hindering socio-economic development in the Badagry area.
The statement alleged that such incidents occurred frequently at SAWA checkpoints and other illegal roadblocks within Badagry Local Council.

“These products are made in Nigeria. They are not imported, and the vehicles transporting them do not cross the border. Our members operate strictly within the Badagry area,” the statement read.

The association urged the Customs officer in charge of the Badagry-Seme border to rein in his personnel, emphasising that the constitutional duty of Customs officials is to monitor imported and smuggled goods, not those produced domestically.

“The attacks on our members are excessive. We urgently need the Comptroller General’s intervention. After several meetings, the association resolved to notify him for immediate action,” the statement added.

While expressing their concerns, the group commended the efforts of the Customs officer in charge of the area for his contributions towards enhancing operational efficiency and improving the welfare of border communities.