In a significant move affecting regional commerce, the Republic of Benin has closed a crucial waterway connecting Ota in Ogun State, Nigeria, as part of its intensified border security operations. This waterway has long served as a vital trade route for local communities, facilitating the exchange of agricultural produce and household goods between the two West African nations.
The closure involves the shutdown of a Beninese customs checkpoint along the water corridor, effectively halting the flow of goods traditionally ferried between rural communities in southwestern Nigeria and southern Benin. Local traders and residents now face significant hardships, with the once-functional trade channel officially sealed off.
A source familiar with the development stated, “Border closure by Bénin Republic gets more serious as President Patrice Talon blocks the waterway linking to Ota in Ogun State. This is a major way of trade between Nigeria and Bénin Republic.
While the Benin government cites national security concerns, including arms smuggling and potential terror threats, critics argue that the move may have deeper political motivations. Opposition voices within Benin suggest that the continued trade clampdown could be influenced by French geopolitical interests aiming to weaken Nigeria’s regional economic influence and pressure it to adopt the CFA Franc, a currency linked to the French treasury and used by several former French colonies.
As Benin approaches its 2026 presidential elections, some opposition leaders warn of potential French-backed efforts to maintain President Talon in power or replace him with a pro-French military regime. They argue that such maneuvers aim to prevent Nigeria from responding to any unconstitutional transitions in Cotonou.
The closure’s impact extends beyond economics, affecting the social fabric of border communities. Many residents in these areas share cultural and familial ties, and the disruption of trade routes strains these relationships.
Earlier in May, Benin extended its border security operations to the Sèmè and Owode borders in Lagos State, Nigeria, further escalating tensions between the two countries. Videos obtained by SaharaReporters showed uniformed Beninese customs officers physically blocking road access at these border areas.
This latest development follows the May 7 closure of a key border route between Taberu village in Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State, Nigeria, and the neighboring Tanu village in Benin Republic. The shutdown was reportedly triggered by intelligence linking the area to illegal arms smuggling and the emergence of a militant group known as “Mahmuda.”
Efforts to reach the Nigerian Customs Service for comments on the latest developments have been unsuccessful. However, in an earlier statement, the service maintained that the routes being blocked by the Benin Republic were illegal.
The ongoing border closures underscore the complex interplay between security concerns and geopolitical strategies in West Africa. As regional dynamics continue to evolve, the need for diplomatic engagement and cooperative solutions becomes increasingly critical to ensure stability and prosperity for communities on both sides of the border.
