By Dansu Peter The Honourable Member representing Badagry Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Sesi Oluwaseun Whingan...
By Dansu Peter
The Honourable Member representing Badagry Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Sesi Oluwaseun Whingan, has openly confronted the Comptroller of the Seme Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, Dr. Benedict Oramalugo, over the persistent and excessive checkpoints mounted along the Lagos–Badagry Expressway, saying the harassment faced by motorists and tourists is sabotaging efforts to grow the tourism sector in the historic coastal town.
The confrontation took place during the oversight visit of the House Committee on Customs to the Seme Command, led by the Committee Chairman, Hon. Leke Abejide. The visit is part of a broader tour of Customs formations in six southwestern states, aimed at assessing operational practices and accountability within the service.
Hon. Whingan, in strong terms, criticized the overbearing presence of security agencies, including Customs, Police, and others, accusing them of subjecting road users—especially tourists—to undue harassment.
"Imagine tourists who have come to relax and explore Badagry being subjected to harassment at multiple illegal checkpoints," Whingan stated. "There have been instances where vehicles used by tourists for years were impounded by Customs officers. These traumatic encounters are driving people away from Badagry. No one wants to return or recommend such an experience."
The lawmaker also took the opportunity to question the justification behind the seizure of food items from local markets by Customs operatives, describing it as counterproductive in a time of nationwide economic distress.
"With the current inflation and growing food insecurity, it is both insensitive and unacceptable for food items to be confiscated from local traders. It only compounds the suffering of our people," he added.
In response, Comptroller Oramalugo acknowledged the grievances raised and assured that the Command has been working to reduce checkpoints. However, he shifted part of the blame to the Nigerian Police Force, whom he accused of indiscriminate mounting of additional checkpoints.
"The Customs Service has reduced our presence along the expressway, but we remain equally concerned about the proliferation of police checkpoints on the same route. I urge this committee to also call the attention of the Inspector General of Police to this matter," Oramalugo said.
The exchange underscored growing concerns about the impact of unchecked security activities on the economic and tourism potential of Badagry—one of Nigeria’s most culturally significant towns.
The House Committee's ongoing oversight tour includes visits to Customs commands in Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, and Ekiti States, and seeks to promote efficiency, legal compliance, and improved service delivery across the agency.
Whingan’s strong stance at the Seme border highlights his continued advocacy for the development of Badagry and protection of its residents and visitors from unlawful practices.
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