Abuja — Benin Republic's Customs Service is seeking closer ties with its Nigerian counterpart, the Director General of the Republic of Benin's Customs Service Mr Hippolyte Djegou said yesterday. He said this when he visited the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service Alhaji Abdullahi Dikko Inde in his office in Abuja.

Djegou outlined areas of concerns which he believes could be mutually significant to both nations. "Nigeria and Benin Republic are two brother countries with common borders. We need to meet from time to time to discuss issues of concern to countries," Djegou said.

First among these he said is that his country was organising the third joint session of the Nigeria-Benin Joint commission. According to him, since the commission was set up in 1980, it has met only twice; 1986 in Benin and last year in Nigeria. Other challenges he pointed out include; the parking lots construction project in the Nigeria territory and the Idiroko project as well as the general working conditions and well being of customs officers. Djegou sought to know the progress on the said projects.

While congratulating Dikko for his elevation as the Nigeria Comptroller General of Customs, he said the cordial relationship between Nigeria and Benin has come a long way which present reality dictates that it is strengthen.

Comptroller General, Abdullahi Dikko remarked that "the challenges highlighted are of concern too. We are going to tackle them as brothers."

The meeting thereafter continued closed doors. Spokesman of the Nigeria Customs, Mr Joseph Attah however told Daily Trust after the meeting that issues relating to smuggling at both countries' common borders were seriously discussed.

He said to find a lasting solution to the issues raised, an eight member committee, and four from each country was constituted with a one month time line to critically look into problem and make recommendations. The Nigeria Comptroller General will there after pay a visit to his counterpart in Benin were a road map will be agreed upon drawing from the recommendations.