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Benin - 2.3.5 Nigeria Seme-Krake Border Crossing
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Land Border Crossing Overview: 

The Border Seme-Krake is between Benin and Nigeria, about 37 Km from Cotonou on the principal coastal road between Cotonou and Lagos (Nigeria). Seme is a part of Ouéme Department in Benin Republic. 

At least by three times, in the 2005-2009 period, violence has broken out in the border town, with fatal consequences. It is reportedly a regular occurrence for both Benin and Nigerian officials, were harassing travellers for money at the border and checkpoints along the road leading from the border. Seme -Krake is a major crossing point for immigrants entering or leaving illegally in both countries and for several smugglers of cars, drogues (marijuana) and other illegal goods due to its porosity. Thus, it has been mentioned an important influx of substandard products. 

On 23rd October 2018, the Juxtaposed zone has been inaugurated by the Presidents of both countries (Talon and Buhari). The 17-hectare site, funded European and multilateral contributions with Union 18.3 million euros, is equipped with state-of-the-art scanners to detect illicit goods. Customs and immigration officers have got their real offices, whereas they huddled up in makeshift huts or converted containers.  

However, it has been admitted that Seme-Krake joint border is one of the busiest boundary lines not only in West Africa but the whole continent, daily recording the huge movement of persons, goods and services. 

BORDER CROSSING LOCATION & CONTACT 

Name of Border Crossing: 

Post of Seme-Krake 

Province or District: 

Oueme 

Nearest Town or City: 

(Nearest location with distance from port) 

Cotonou (Benin) 37.2Km. 

Porto Novo (Benin), 24.2 Km 

Latitude: 

6°22'44.8"N  

Longitude: 

2°42'14.8"E 

Managing Authority/Agency: 

Benin/Nigeria Custom Authorities  

Contact Person 

 

 

Travel Times 

Nearest International Airport: 

Cotonou International Airport  

37.2 Km 

Truck: 1 day 

Car: 1 day 

Nearest Port: 

Cotonou Autonomous Port   

37.2 Km 

Truck: 1 day 

Car: 1 day 

Nearest Major Market: 

Cotonou (Benin), 37.2Km 

Lagos (Nigeria), 86 Km 

Truck: 1 day 

Car: 1 day 

Other Information: 

 

There is no weighing bridge established yet in customs post.  

 

Hours of Operation 

MONDAYS 

24/24 Hours (7/7 Days) 

TUESDAYS 

24/24 Hours (7/7 Days) 

WEDNESDAYS 

24/24 Hours (7/7 Days) 

THURSDAYS 

24/24 Hours (7/7 Days) 

FRIDAYS 

24/24 Hours (7/7 Days) 

SATURDAYS 

24/24 Hours (7/7 Days) 

SUNDAYS 

24/24 Hours (7/7 Days) 

NATIONAL HOLIDAYS: 

 24/24 Hours (7/7 Days) 

SEASONAL CONSTRAINTS: 

N/A 

Daily Capacity: 

Seme- Krake Border is one of the major opened (24 hours, 7/7 days) crossing points established between Benin Rep and Nigeria Federal Republic. As well as it’s used by all sizes of transit goods and trucks. It is one of the economical lungs of Benin Customs system. As per the information received from Benin Custom and police post Officers, Seme-Krake border is also used by trucks which are crossing Benin territory to Nigeria.  

Customs Clearance: 

The ECOWAS vehicle insurance and the laissez-passer are the most important documents.  

For all cargoes, the documents should be prepared at the Customs Office in Cotonou. Once these documents are approved, copies of the documents should be detained by the Superintendent and truck drivers to the Seme-Krake customs which will verify the goods and mention ‘seen’ on the documents. Then, there is also a simple need to transmit the documents to the point of exit/entry.  

Other Relevant Information: 

Seme-Krake border (Juxtaposed Zone) is secured by all units of both national Custom and Police authorities (Benin and Nigeria). There is no sub tactical division of military unit in passing goods and trucks must be inspected by the National Police and custom agents. 

LIST OF OFFICIALS APPROVED CUSTOMS CLEARING AGENTS 

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