The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Customs Administration of Benin Republic have jointly launched the SIGMAT platform, a digital system designed to boost regional trade and eliminate bottlenecks linked to international trade.
The platform’s launch marks a significant milestone in the collective pursuit of seamless trade integration and regional economic transformation across West Africa.
Key Highlights:
Digitalization of Customs Transit Operations*: The SIGMAT platform aims to improve the visibility of goods in transit, combat diversion and fraud, and foster inter-agency coordination and collaboration.
Regional Integration*: The platform has already been deployed in seven other countries along the corridor, including Niger, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, Ghana, and Togo.
Benefits*: The SIGMAT platform will simplify procedures at borders, reduce delays, and enhance trade facilitation between Nigeria and Benin Republic.
Quotes:
Adewale Adeniyi, Comptroller General of Customs*: “The SIGMAT platform will foster cooperation between the two customs organizations and has the capacity to integrate with the B’ODOGWU system in Nigeria.”
Adidjath Hassan Zanouvii, Director General of Benin Customs Administration*: “Today’s launch is more than just a technical achievement. It is a powerful demonstration of rigorous legality and institutional leadership.”
Implications:
The launch of the SIGMAT platform is expected to have a positive impact on regional trade, enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of customs operations and promoting economic growth in West Africa [1].
