In a bid to strengthen intra-African trade and economic integration, the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, held a high-level meeting with the Secretary General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Wamkele Mene.
The meeting took place on the sidelines of the Biashara Afrika 2024 forum, held from 9th to 11th October 2024 in Kigali, Rwanda.
The engagement between Adeniyi and Mene focused on refining strategies to facilitate trade under the AfCFTA agreement, with special attention to overcoming existing trade bottlenecks and empowering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to capitalize on the new opportunities. The role of Customs in supporting these efforts was highlighted as a critical factor in the success of intra-African trade.
During the discussions, Wamkele Mene praised the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for its forward-thinking initiatives, such as the pilot phase of the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program, the implementation of Advanced Rulings, and Time Release studies.
He noted that these initiatives had set a benchmark for customs administrations across Africa.
In response, Comptroller-General Adeniyi applauded Mene’s commitment to advancing AfCFTA’s objectives despite the resource challenges faced by the Secretariat.
Adeniyi also acknowledged the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and the legislative backing provided by the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023.
He emphasized how the Act had facilitated the implementation of key trade initiatives aligned with Nigeria’s vision of becoming the continent’s most efficient trading nation, with a focus on SME growth and increased exports.
A notable highlight of the conversation was the recent accomplishment of Mrs. Chinwe Ezenwa, CEO of LE LOOK Nigeria Limited, who became the first woman to export goods under the Guided Trade Initiative (GTI) of the AfCFTA. Her successful export of goods from Apapa Port in Lagos on 16th July 2024 to East, Central, and North African markets showcased the expanding opportunities for Nigerian businesses within the AfCFTA framework.
The meeting concluded with a commitment from the AfCFTA Secretariat to develop a concept note that would outline the path forward for the free trade area.
The NCS pledged to bring these discussions to the Heads of Customs Administrations platform in Africa, ensuring a united approach to resolving customs-related challenges continent-wide.
Biashara Afrika, now in its second edition, has quickly established itself as a premier platform for collaboration between African public and private sector actors, focusing on the implementation of the AfCFTA.
The 2024 forum centered on addressing emerging challenges in the African business environment and identifying innovative solutions to enhance cross-border trade.
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