Emma Ujah, Abuja Bureau Chief 

The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Mr. Adewale Adeniyi, met with the Secretary-General of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Mr. Wamkele Mene, in Kigali, Rwanda, to discuss strategies for maximizing Nigeria’s benefits under the AfCFTA initiative.

In a statement issued by NCS spokesperson Abdullahi Maiwada, Mr. Adeniyi highlighted the significant support provided by President Bola Tinubu’s administration and the legislative arm through the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023. He explained that the Act has created a legal foundation for initiatives that align with the government’s vision to position Nigeria as the most efficient trading nation on the continent. These initiatives are aimed at promoting SME growth and boosting exports to enhance intra-African trade.

Adeniyi underscored the success of Mrs. Chinwe Ezenwa, CEO of LE LOOK Nigeria Limited, who became the first woman to export goods under the AfCFTA’s Guided Trade Initiative (GTI). Her exports to East, Central, and North African countries, which commenced on July 16, 2024, from Apapa Port in Lagos, showcase the expanding opportunities for Nigerian businesses in the continental market.

The NCS boss pledged to share these discussions with the Heads of Customs Administrations platform in Africa to ensure a coordinated approach to addressing customs-related challenges across the continent.

AfCFTA Secretary-General Wamkele Mene reiterated the Secretariat’s commitment to developing a strategic roadmap for advancing the free trade area. The discussions between Adeniyi and Mene focused on refining trade facilitation strategies, addressing existing bottlenecks, and encouraging small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to leverage the opportunities presented by the AfCFTA. Both leaders emphasized the crucial role of customs in fostering intra-African trade and driving economic growth.