The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has marked a significant milestone by facilitating the country’s first export shipment to Kenya, carried out by Lucky Fibres, a subsidiary of the Tolaram Group. This development positions the company among the few entities to utilize the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Agreement for international trading within Africa. The announcement was made by Abdullahi Maiwada, the National Public Relations Officer of the NCS, highlighting the importance of this achievement within the broader context of regional trade. The shipment not only signals a boost for Nigerian businesses but also underscores the commitment to enhancing intra-African trade, an essential goal of the AfCFTA initiative.
During a recent verification visit at the Apapa port, Olusegun Olutayo, a Senior Trade Expert at the Nigeria AfCFTA Coordination Office, commented on the collaborative efforts that made this shipment possible. He noted that the logistics supporting this movement were a joint endeavor, affirming that he had reached out to relevant parties in Ghana and Kenya to coordinate the shipment effectively. This proactive communication reflects the collaborative spirit that AfCFTA intends to foster among African nations, aiming to increase trade flows and economic integration across the continent. Olutayo’s remarks underlined the importance of cooperation among stakeholders in ensuring the smooth facilitation of trade relationships.
Olutayo also emphasized the NCS’s pivotal role as the Designated Competent Authority under the AfCFTA framework. He commended the NCS for its readiness and willingness to support this initiative, stating that the agency’s responsiveness to trade issues is crucial for the success of AfCFTA. He further illustrated how the NCS had showcased its dedication to facilitating trade through decisive actions and support for exporters like Lucky Fibres. This responsiveness is vital for building an effective trading environment that nurtures confidence and fosters economic collaboration among African countries.
In a further elaboration on the NCS’s contributions, Assistant Comptroller Olusola Salako from the Lilypond Export Command remarked on the technological advancements undertaken by the agency to facilitate smoother trade operations. Salako noted the alignment of the NCS with World Customs Organisation standards to improve its service delivery and contribute to a successful AfCFTA implementation. He reflected on the progress made in creating a Unified Customs Management System, which is designed to streamline operations and address previous trade barriers. By adopting modern technology, the NCS aims to enhance efficiency and responsiveness, ensuring that the mechanisms for trade are robust and functional.
Salako also highlighted that the NCS had made strides in preparing its workforce for the demands of contemporary trade by training officers and assigning dedicated personnel to specific export procedures. This preparation is not limited to AfCFTA-related transactions but extends to all export activities, indicating a comprehensive approach to trade facilitation. By creating dedicated ports and training staff specifically for handling exports, the NCS is positioning itself as a capable and reliable partner in the broader context of African trade initiatives. The pledges made by the NCS reflect a renewed commitment to adapting to the evolving global trade landscape.
In summary, the successful shipment of goods from Nigeria to Kenya under the AfCFTA demonstrates the potential for stronger economic ties within Africa. The Nigeria Customs Service plays a crucial role in this process, ensuring that trade facilitations are efficient and responsive. Through technological upgrades, strategic training, and collaborative outreach, the NCS is laying a foundation for future bilateral trade commitments within the framework of the AfCFTA. These efforts not only support individual companies like Lucky Fibres but also contribute to the overarching goal of increased intra-African trade, offering a pathway to enhanced economic integration and development across the continent.
