Seme-Krake border: What Buhari said upon completion of project [Full speech]
Talon of the Republic of Benin on the successful completion of the
magnificent border project, pledging that Nigeria will work closely to
ensure the success of the newly inaugurated Seme-Krake joint border
post between both countries.
Buhari speaking at the official handing over ceremony of the joint
border post in Seme said the project was aimed at enhancing free
movement of persons and goods in the region.
The President in a statement sent to DAILY POST by the Special Adviser
on Media and publicity, Femi Adesina, therefore, described the project
as "a symbol of integration that brings together the people of Nigeria
and Benin."
Speaking on the benefits of the joint border post, Buhari, noted that
it would enhance trade facilitation by combining border clearance
activities in a single location in addition to fostering data and
intelligence sharing between Nigeria and Benin Republic.
The statement reads: "Indeed, the Seme-Krake joint border is one of
the busiest boundary lines not only in West Africa but the whole
continent, daily recording huge movement of persons, goods, and
services.
"Permit me therefore to congratulate my brother, President Patrice
Talon of the Republic of Benin on the successful completion of this
magnificent project.
"As we all know, Nigeria and Benin share many things in common. Hence,
the establishment of the Joint Border Post will certainly promote our
brotherliness and emphasize our common interest.
"The Border Post is strategically important and lies on the
Lagos-Cotonou-Lome-Accra-Abidjan corridor, which accounts for about
70% of the entire transit traffic in the sub-region.
"The corridor is also part of the Trans-African Highway network. This
Joint Border Post with modern enabling facilities is a flagship
project in ECOWAS and a good example of regional public assets with a
spill-over range of benefits.
"I am aware that a Joint Committee with membership from Nigeria and
Benin has been established for the coordination and management of this
facility. I would like to call on the members of the committee to note
the complex task ahead of them.
'The committee must ensure that border officials are sensitized on the
mode of operation of the Joint Border Post concept which is a big
departure from the traditional mode of operation. I call on the ECOWAS
Commission to continue to provide the needed support to this
Committee.
"ECOWAS is a region where ports, roads, railways and airports still
remain a constraint despite significant recent progress made.
"Nigeria has embarked on major investment programmes covering these
sectors to improve the competitiveness of our economies and accelerate
growth. We are therefore delighted to welcome such initiatives aimed
at boosting the economic integration of our member States in West
Africa.''
President Buhari also thanked the EU for supporting two other joint
borders at Malanville (between Benin/Niger) and Noepe-Akanu (between
Ghana/Togo).
No comments
Post a Comment