Nigeria Customs, AfCFTA meet to simplify, harmonise trade regime
By Uzor Odigbo
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has held a strategic meeting with a delegation from the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat to advance the implementation of the Simplified Trade Regime (STR) aimed at boosting small-scale cross-border trade.
The engagement, which took place at the NCS Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja, focused on harmonising national and continental procedures to make trade easier, more transparent, and inclusive for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
The Comptroller-General of Customs was represented by Deputy Comptroller-General (DCG) in charge of Tariff and Trade, Caroline Niagwan, who reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to facilitating legitimate trade while supporting MSMEs through simplified and transparent customs processes.
“Our goal is to make trade easier, more transparent, and inclusive for small-scale traders, while ensuring compliance with national and regional trade regulations,” DCG Niagwan stated.
Leader of the AfCFTA delegation, Pedro Estevao, highlighted Nigeria’s designation as the pilot country for the Simplified Trade Regime in West Africa. He noted that the country’s position as the largest market in the region gives it a strategic advantage in driving inclusive trade and regional economic growth.
During the meeting, the NCS presented its draft Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for implementing the STR in Nigeria. The document outlines simplified customs procedures for informal cross-border trade, passenger baggage, and low-value e-commerce transactions, supported by digital declaration systems and risk-based controls.
AfCFTA consultant Nabil Zibani delivered a presentation on the proposed continental STR framework, emphasising the need for simplified, transparent, and accessible systems that enable MSMEs to comply with customs procedures and actively participate in regional trade.
Discussions identified significant areas of convergence between the NCS draft SOP and the AfCFTA framework. These include simplification of documentation and procedures, adoption of digital platforms for declaration and clearance, introduction of de minimis thresholds for low-value trade, and measures to promote inclusive trade, especially for women and MSMEs.
Both parties agreed on the need for continued technical engagements to refine implementation strategies, resolve operational challenges, and ensure full alignment between national and continental frameworks.
The meeting represents a key step towards positioning Nigeria as the pilot country for the Simplified Trade Regime under the AfCFTA. It also underscores the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to facilitating legitimate trade, strengthening regional integration, and promoting inclusive economic growth across the continent.
