In an ambitious move to clamp down on illicit trafficking and enhance border security, the European Union has introduced the ‘Getaway Corridor’ project during a presentation at the Nigeria Customs Service Headquarters in Abuja. This initiative seeks to create safer and more controlled trade routes across ten countries, including Nigeria, aiming to significantly curb smuggling activities.

The ‘Getaway Corridor’ is designed to develop a network of roads specifically tailored for combating smuggling while facilitating legitimate trade across key border areas. Louis Jacques Blondiau and Thierry Thimon, EU representatives spearheading the project, outlined the plan which involves identification of critical zones, project implementation, rigorous evaluation, and ensuring the project aligns with the local priorities of each participating country.

Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, lauded the initiative, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation in tackling these challenges. “The Getaway Corridor project is not just a strategic plan to suppress smuggling but also a significant step towards enhancing trade security and regional stability,” said CGC Adeniyi.

The project promises to bring about crucial infrastructure development that will aid customs and law enforcement agencies in their ongoing fight against illegal trade practices. With the EU’s backing and local support from the Nigerian authorities, the ‘Getaway Corridor’ stands as a beacon of hope for economic and security improvement in the region.