In a bid to strengthen intra-African trade and deepen economic integration, Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) Bashir Adewale Adeniyi met with Wamkele Mene, Secretary-General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The meeting took place on the sidelines of the Biashara Afrika 2024 forum in Kigali, Rwanda.
The discussions focused on improving trade facilitation under the AfCFTA agreement, with a particular emphasis on eliminating bottlenecks and encouraging Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to take full advantage of the opportunities provided by the trade area. Customs plays a vital role in this effort, and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) was recognized for its progressive initiatives.
AfCFTA’s Secretary-General praised the NCS for its leadership in implementing key initiatives such as the pilot phase of the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) programme, Advanced Rulings, and Time Release studies. “These efforts position the NCS as a benchmark for customs administrations across Africa,” he said.
CGC Adeniyi acknowledged the support from Nigeria’s government, especially President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the legislative arm, through the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023. “The Act has laid the groundwork for advancing Nigeria’s trade efficiency and SME growth, aligning with our goal of boosting exports and fostering intra-African trade,” he stated.
A key highlight of the meeting was the recognition of Chinwe Ezenwa, CEO of LE LOOK Nigeria Limited, who became the first woman to export goods under AfCFTA’s Guided Trade Initiative (GTI). Her successful export from Apapa Port, Lagos, to East, Central, and North African countries in July 2024 showcases the potential for Nigerian businesses in the continental market.
Moving forward, the AfCFTA Secretariat committed to developing a concept note to guide the future of the free trade area, while the NCS pledged to bring these discussions to the Heads of Customs Administrations platform, ensuring a coordinated approach to customs-related challenges across Africa.
This meeting marks a significant step in accelerating Africa’s economic integration, with Nigerian SMEs positioned to benefit from the continent’s growing market..
