Nigeria Customs Moves Forward on AfCFTA’s Simplified Trade Regime
By: Queen Abayomi
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) hosted an AfCFTA Secretariat delegation at its Maitama headquarters to advance the Simplified Trade Regime (STR) for small-scale cross-border trade.
- Advertisement -
Deputy Comptroller-General Caroline Niagwan (Tariff and Trade), representing the Comptroller-General, pledged easier, transparent customs processes that help MSMEs while upholding regulations. “We want trade that’s simpler and more inclusive, especially for small traders,” she said.
AfCFTA delegate Pedro Estevao noted Nigeria’s selection as West Africa’s pilot for the STR, calling its market scale a strategic lever for inclusive regional growth. The NCS presented a draft Standard Operating Procedure covering informal trade, baggage, and low-value e-commerce, backed by digital declarations and risk-based checks. AfCFTA consultant Nabil Zibani outlined the continental framework, stressing accessible procedures for MSMEs.
Both sides highlighted common ground: simplified paperwork, digital clearance, de minimis thresholds for low-value consignments, and support for women and MSMEs. They agreed to ongoing technical work to refine strategy, solve operational issues, and align Nigeria’s SOP with AfCFTA rules.
The meeting cements Nigeria’s pilot role in rolling out the STR, underscoring Customs’ push to facilitate legitimate trade, deepen regional integration, and broaden economic participation.
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER, MARCH 30TH 2026)
