Republic of Benin Customs impound 200 Nigerian trucks

A diplomatic row is brewing between Nigeria and the Republic of Benin over an alleged seizure of more than 200 trucks belonging to Nigerian transporters at Hilla Condji border by the country's Customs

The Benin Customs were reportedly requesting for nine million CFA francs (about N3.3m) as duty fee on each truck before they could allow them to cross their border to Nigeria.

But the trans-border transporters/traders have vowed not to pay the money, saying it is against the ECOWAS Trade Protocol on free movement of goods amongst member countries.

This was contained in a petition addressed to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigerian High Commission in Cotonou, a copy of which was obtained by our correspondent on Sunday.

The ECOWAS Coordinator, Human Rights League of Nigeria, Dr. Godwin Okonkwo, who signed the petition, called on the Federal Government to urgently intervene in the matter.

Although, he said the over 200 trucks were impounded within a period of two weeks, he alleged that the harassment and extortion by the Customs started about a year ago.

He stated, "Several reports have come to my office over the past one year on the nefarious and criminal activities of the Benin Customs officials at the Hilla Condji border (between Togo and Benin)."

"We have been informed that the said officers have persistently requested for payment of full duty on transit goods/trucks that are bound for the Federal Republic of Nigeria; and at sundry times, bribes have been requested for quick release of trucks/goods bound for Nigeria."

The transporters/traders said the detention of their trucks and goods had cost them billions of naira.

The group said, "This act amounts to economic terrorism. There is an urgent need for an immediate response to this matter."

It specifically requested "the presence of an official from the ministry and a letter to the Nigeria High Commission in Cotonou and another letter to the head of Customs in Benin Republic asking them to resolve the impounding of over 200 trucks belonging to Nigerians."

The transporters said the situation had become a major threat to their business.

Those beninoise r desperate. . .Since the strike and d closure of their port,they opted for another means to make money and nigerians would readily come to mind. . .