By Matthew Denis
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has engaged with a delegation from the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat on advancing the implementation of the Simplified Trade Regime (STR).
The meeting, held at the NCS Headquarters in Abuja, focused on supporting small-scale cross-border trade.
Representing the Comptroller-General of Customs, Deputy Comptroller-General (DCG) Caroline Niagwan reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to facilitating trade for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
“Our goal is to make trade easier, more transparent, and inclusive for small-scale traders while ensuring compliance with national and regional regulations,” Niagwan stated.
Pedro Estevao, leader of the AfCFTA delegation, noted that Nigeria has been designated as the pilot country for the STR in West Africa.
He highlighted that Nigeria’s status as the region’s largest market places it in a strategic position to drive inclusive economic growth.
During the session, the NCS presented its draft Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), which outlines simplified customs processes for informal trade, passenger baggage, and low-value e-commerce transactions using digital declaration systems.
AfCFTA consultant, Nabil Zibani also presented a proposed continental framework, emphasizing the need for accessible systems that encourage MSME participation in regional trade.
Both parties agreed on the necessity of sustained technical engagement to refine implementation strategies and ensure alignment between national and continental frameworks.