Rep Sesi Whingah Promises: Nigeria’s Borders Will Soon Reopen for Commerce

Rep Sesi Whingah Promises: Nigeria’s Borders Will Soon Reopen for Commerce

Sesi Whingah, the lawmaker for Badagry Constituency in the House of Representatives, has promised that Nigeria’s borders will soon reopen for commercial activities.

Whingah made this commitment during a Badagry Stakeholders and Youth Engagement event held on Saturday. The event, themed “Charting a Prosperous Future for Badagry: Unlocking Potential, Empowering People, and Accelerating Progress,” was aimed at addressing local concerns.

“The current administration will soon open borders for commercial activities; I know it is affecting us and our incomes. I know what my constituents are going through,” he said.

On the issue of electrification in some Badagry communities, Whingah assured that Rural Electrification staff would address the situation in the coming days.

He also criticised the multiple roadblocks along the Lagos-Badagry Motorway, stating,

“I have spoken against multiple checkpoints on the floor of the House. I doubt if we can achieve any development if we have people stopping and discouraging tourists and investors from coming to this corridor.”

Whingah proposed using technology for security, suggesting, “A single drone can secure and monitor this axis.”

Highlighting his achievements, he noted securing jobs for 30 youths in federal agencies and bringing in 40 pensionable jobs for Badagry’s youths.

“Our NIN registration centre in Badagry has registered more than 70,000 individuals in Badagry as of today,” he added.

Whingah also discussed upcoming projects, including the Mowo-Ikoga road, which Lagos State has agreed to help repair.

He mentioned that the Federal Government is considering re-awarding the uncompleted Gbaji-Owode-Apa motorway project as a concrete road in the 2025 budget.

In his keynote address, Prof. Henry Hunjo from Lagos State University (LASU) praised Whingah’s efforts and called for addressing environmental and infrastructural issues in Badagry.

A panel of professionals also discussed solutions for Badagry. Mr. Setonji Koshoedo, Deputy National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), proposed a “Solution Revolution,” advocating for collaborative problem-solving.

Political commentator, Mr. Gbenu Mathew emphasised unlocking Badagry’s potential through political collaboration.

Dr. Busola Odedina, the sole female panellist, stressed the need for greater inclusion of women in leadership roles.

Mr. Bisiriyu Fanu, former Chairman of the Association of Nigeria Licenced Customs Agents (ANCLA) at the Seme border, urged the government to reintroduce the importation of fairly used vehicles through land borders, citing adverse effects on residents.

Whingah concluded the event by awarding cash prizes, laptops, and other gifts to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to Badagry.

He also announced the “Badagry Tech Talents 1,000 Programme,” aimed at training, empowering, and connecting 1,000 youths.