The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), in collaboration with TradeMark Africa, and the Governments of the Republic of Benin and the Federal Republic of Nigeria, has held a specialized training workshop for Members of the Joint Border Committee (JBMC) of the Sèmè-Kraké Joint Border Post (JBP).
The Head The workshop, held from 17-18 June, 2026 in Cotonou, aims to strengthen the operational capacity of border officials, enhance coordination between agencies, and improve the efficiency of cross-border trade and mobility along the Abidjan–Lagos Corridor.
The training forms part of the ECOWAS efforts to improve on the operations of the Seme-Krake JBP which is seen as a strategic gateway for regional integration. The objective is to ensure that operations at borders in the region are not only efficient but also aligned with ECOWAS protocols on the free movement of persons, goods, and services. A well-trained Joint Border Committee is essential for fostering trust, reducing delays, and boosting trade between our Member States.
ECOWAS Capacity Building for Joint Border Committee at Seme-Krake in Benin,The 2-day training program covers modules on the Joint Border Post Concept, the Legal and Institutional Frameworks, Trade facilitation procedures, joint inspection protocols, customs and immigration coordination, security risk management, and the use of digital tools for border operations. Participants included customs officers, immigration officials, security agencies, and representatives from trade and transport unions from both countries.
The Commission has been working with the two Member States to work on other interventions to improve the working environment and support users. These include the rehabilitation of buildings, sheds, installation of directional and information signage, establishment of an integrated Border Information Mechanism, solar back-up power supply, and others.
The Sèmè-Kraké Joint Border Post, located approximately 30 kilometers from Cotonou, is one of the busiest land crossings in West Africa, serving as a critical link between Benin and Nigeria. This initiative is part of ECOWAS’s broader efforts to modernize border infrastructure, streamline procedures, and promote economic integration in the region.
