NCS launches SIGMAT Pilot to boost regional trade integration
Omeiza Bilal
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has launched the SIGMAT Pilot Scheme, a digital platform designed to harmonise customs operations among ECOWAS member states.
The launch ceremony took place at the ECOWAS Joint Border Post, Seme-Krake, on Monday, 19 May 2025, bringing together representatives from Benin Customs, the ECOWAS Commission, GIZ (German Development Cooperation), sister agencies, and key stakeholders in the trade and transport sectors.
In his keynote address, the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, stated that the SIGMAT initiative represents a long-standing vision for a unified customs framework across the region.
“The idea has been conceived for over a decade and we design it to achieve objective such as; improve good visibility in transit, combat diversion & fraud along Nigeria-Benin corridor, foster inter agency coordination, and for stakeholders reduce any form of trade delay”, he said.
“I want you to know that with the support of German Development Cooperation (GIZ) and ECOWAS Commission, the implementation has already started and deployment are in members state such as Abidjan, Togo, and Ghana”, he added.
He highlighted key milestones already recorded including; testing real-life transit exchange, harmonising itineraries at Border station, and direct connectivity to ECOWAS electronic hub to ensure joint customs operations.
The CGC announced plans to expand the SIGMAT system to other key border stations such as Idiroko and Chikanda, while committing to continuous stakeholder engagement and robust capacity building to ensure effective implementation.
“Note that as we deploy this programme today, we plan to establish a taskforce saddled with the responsibility of recording its successes and challenges. After that, we will share lessons learnt with ECOWAS SIGMAT Committee and show support to other members in the implementation journey”, he said.
Adeniyi described the initiative as a “technical and diplomatic milestone,” showcasing regional solidarity and institutional leadership aimed at transforming trade practices to drive prosperity, security, and opportunity across West Africa.
In his address, President, ECOWAS commission
Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, represented by Director Customs Union and Taxation, ECOWAS Commission, Salifou Tiemtore commended commended the cross-border collaboration behind the SIGMAT deployment.
He assured of the Commission’s commitment to supporting the journey and ensuring safe and seamless connectivity across the region.
In another development, the CGC launched the Customs Officers Wives Association (COWA) office, a standard gym centre at the Seme Area Command, reaffirming the service’s commitment to improving officers’ welfare.
