Nigeria, Benin move Against Goods Diversion with SIGMAT launch

Nigeria, Benin move against Goods Diversion with SIGMAT launch.

ByPrincee Benson Davies

The Nigeria Customs Service and the Benin Republic Customs Administration have launched the SIGMAT platform, a digital system designed to facilitate and harmonise Customs transit Operations between the two countries. This Initiative aims to improve the Visibility of goods in transit, combat diversion and fraud and foster interagency coordination and Collaboration. This launch of SIGMAT marks a significant milestone in Nigeria andthe  Benin Republic’s collective pursuit of seamless trade integration and regional economic transformation across West Africa

While delivering his remarks at the launch event, the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC) Adewale Adeniyi noted that the SIGMAT platform is designed to connect both customs services, remove challenges faced by operators, and foster cooperation between the two customsorganisationss.

He highlighted about the platform’s success, citing its effective implementation in seven other countries along the corridor.

The Director General of Benin Customs Administration, Mme. Adidjath Hassan Zanouvii, stated that the implementation of the SIGMAT platform will collectively address cross-border issues affecting both customs administrations.

She pointed out that the platform aims to digitalize and harmonize customs transit operations, improve visibility of goods in transit, combat diversion and fraud, and simplify procedures at borders.

The SIGMAT platform is part of a broader effort to promote regional economic transformation across West Africa.

The launch marks a significant milestone in the collective pursuit of seamless trade integration and regional economic cooperation.

The platform’s implementation has already started in several ECOWAS member states, including Niger, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, Ghana, and Togo, with the support of the ECOWAS Commission and the German Development Cooperation Agency..