The Director of Free Movement of Persons and Migration at the ECOWAS Commission, Mr. Albert Siaw-Boateng, has issued a passionate appeal to member states to take immediate action against extortion and harassment by immigration and customs officials at land borders within the sub-region.
Speaking at the close of a three-day regional validation meeting on the ECOWAS Labour Migration Strategy and Action Plan held in Accra, Mr. Siaw-Boateng expressed deep concern over the persistent mistreatment of ECOWAS citizens at border crossings.
“We are aware of the challenges citizens face — including harassment and extortion. But as I always say, ECOWAS does not have its own police, immigration, or customs officers. We rely entirely on the member states to ensure their operatives do the right thing,” he said.
The Director emphasized that it is the responsibility of national governments to monitor and hold their border operatives accountable for misconduct.
“Curbing these negative acts must be tackled at the national level. Member states must step up and take action to protect the rights of community citizens,” he stressed.
Mr. Siaw-Boateng recounted a recent visit by the ECOWAS Commission President, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, to the Benin-Nigeria border on May 7, 2025. The visit was part of a fact-finding mission to observe firsthand the challenges reported by citizens traveling across borders.
“Along the route, we made several stops and interacted with traders, passengers, and drivers. The stories we heard were troubling. Many complained about unauthorized checkpoints and illegal demands for money,” he said.
He noted that on the Nigerian side, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had already initiated measures by establishing a task force to deal with unauthorized checkpoints between Lagos and the Seme border. In contrast, on the Benin side, there is a noticeable absence of checkpoints once travelers cross the border until reaching Hilaconji, the frontier with Togo.
However, even in Benin, troubling incidents persist. “When I crossed the border myself, one operative demanded 2,000 CFA before stamping my passport. We had to intervene immediately to stop it. But what happens to ordinary travelers who have no one to intervene for them?” he asked.
Mr. Siaw-Boateng emphasized the need for robust advocacy and sensitization campaigns targeting border officials and the general public.
“Our directorate is committed to promoting awareness and ensuring both officers and ECOWAS citizens understand their rights and responsibilities,” he stressed.
He further disclosed that ECOWAS holds annual meetings with the heads of immigration from all member states, where such issues are discussed. However, he believes that the matter needs to be escalated.
“The real solution lies in addressing these challenges at the highest political level. We are working toward convening a summit of the Authority of Heads of State and Government as part of ECOWAS’ 50th anniversary celebrations. One of the key agenda items will be the obstacles faced by community citizens when crossing land borders,” he revealed.
As ECOWAS prepares to mark its golden jubilee, the call to ensure dignity, respect, and ease of movement for its citizens at borders is gaining renewed urgency — a call Mr. Siaw-Boateng insists must be answered with concrete action.
By Sakyi Danso
