A new digital platform, SIGMAT, has been launched by Nigeria and Benin to improve trade efficiency and advance regional economic integration. This milestone was unveiled during a launch event at the Seme Krake Joint Border Post, symbolising the two countries’ shared commitment to harnessing technology for better trade flows within the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is Africa’s largest free trade zone unites 54 of the continent’s 55 nations into a single market of 1.3 billion people with a combined GDP of approximately $3.4 trillion. Its goal is to promote intra-African trade by eliminating tariffs and enabling the seamless movement of goods, services and people across member states. Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy, and Benin, with its strategic location as a gateway to West Africa, are central to achieving these objectives.
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The SIGMAT Connectivity Initiative
SIGMAT, short for the System for Interconnected Management of Goods in Transit, is designed to streamline cross-border trade by enabling real-time tracking, documentation and management of goods moving between Nigeria and Benin. The platform aims to tackle long-standing issues such as goods diversion, revenue loss, bureaucratic delays and the proliferation of checkpoints along the Nigeria-Benin corridor.
According to sources, the initiative was partly prompted by persistent concerns over goods diversion and revenue leakages at the border. The implementation of SIGMAT is expected to provide greater transparency, enhance customs oversight and foster closer cooperation between border control agencies.
Nigeria’s Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, described the launch as a “major milestone” in regional trade integration. He outlined the platform’s objectives, including increasing the visibility of goods in transit, reducing fraud, simplifying border procedures and promoting inter-agency collaboration. Adeniyi also announced plans to expand SIGMAT to other key border posts, including Giro and Samia, in line with Nigeria’s commitment to modernising its trade infrastructure.
Benin’s Director General of Customs, Adidjatou Hassan Zanouvi, echoed these sentiments, praising SIGMAT’s potential to ease the flow of goods and combat fraud. She expressed optimism that the system would streamline trade along key routes from Abidjan through Benin to Nigeria, thereby improving revenue collection and operational efficiency.
Challenges and Stakeholder Perspectives
Despite widespread optimism, some stakeholders have urged caution. Alhaji Azeez Bamidele, a former chairman of the Association of Nigeria Customs Licensed Agents (ANCLA), voiced concerns over potential network disruptions, citing past issues with digital platforms affected by poor connectivity. He stressed the need for reliable telecommunications infrastructure, specifically 4G and 5G networks, to ensure smooth implementation.
Dansis Dansu, a freight forwarder from Benin, highlighted the advantages of SIGMAT, including improved transparency, reduced smuggling risks and real-time tracking. However, he noted that effective deployment hinges on adequate stakeholder training and capacity development.
Regional and International Support
SIGMAT is part of a broader effort underpinned by regional institutions such as ECOWAS and supported by development partners including GIZ, the German Development Cooperation. Other West African nations, such as Niger, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, Ghana and Togo, have implemented similar systems, reflecting a growing regional commitment to digital trade facilitation.
ECOWAS Commissioner for Customs and Taxation, Dr Omar Touray, underscored the challenges posed by inadequate border infrastructure, including non-functional scanners and lighting systems. He described the SIGMAT initiative as a strategic response aimed at mitigating such shortcomings and enhancing trade flow.
Broader Diplomatic and Economic Developments
Alongside efforts to facilitate trade, there have been broader diplomatic engagements across the region. For instance, Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, recently met with Benin’s President, Patrice Talon, to discuss expanding bilateral cooperation in sectors including aviation, infrastructure and cultural exchange. These developments are expected to foster economic growth, attract foreign investment and enhance regional stability.
In parallel, Middle Eastern countries, particularly those within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), are deepening their investment footprints across Africa, notably in energy and infrastructure. This reflects renewed global interest in the continent’s development trajectory.
The launch of SIGMAT connectivity between Nigeria and Benin marks a strategic step towards realising the full potential of AfCFTA. By leveraging digital technology to streamline border procedures, tackle fraud and strengthen regional cooperation, the two nations are setting a benchmark for others in West Africa. While challenges persist, particularly around infrastructure and digital readiness, continued commitment, capacity building and multilateral collaboration will be key to turning SIGMAT into a transformative force for regional economic growth and integration.
As the continent embraces digital innovation, initiatives like SIGMAT offer a glimpse into a future where trade barriers are lowered and economic opportunities expanded across Africa.
