In its bid to strengthen Nigeria’s non-oil export base and formalise informal trade flows, the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), in collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), West African Cross-border Trade and Agricultural Fair (WACTAF), and other key actors, embarked on a three-day stakeholder engagement across Ṣaki and Oke-Ogun in Oyo State.
The engagement, held on 9th July, was part of NEPC’s Informal Cross-Border Trade (ICBT) programme designed to integrate informal exports into Nigeria’s official economic data.
Okerete is a major trade route for Nigerian exports heading to Mali, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, and beyond.
The delegation comprised representatives from NEPC, NCS, NBS, the Oyo Shippers Association, Oyo State Ministry of Trade, and trade advocates including Alhaji Nasiru Salami, Dr. Abdulwaheed Ayobami Omotosho, and Dr. Joe Itah.
Despite the 86km stretch between Ṣaki and Okerete, the delegation endured a six-hour journey due to poor road infrastructure. Along the route, they encountered numerous export activities—particularly trucks loaded with goods, many of which exceed ECOWAS axle load standards.
The team engaged with local stakeholders including traditional rulers, traders, logistics operators, and market consolidators to build consensus for formalising existing trade practices, collecting accurate data, and enhancing Nigeria’s non-oil export performance.
Mrs. Bolanle Emmanuel, Acting Regional Coordinator of NEPC (South West, Lagos Office), emphasised the Council’s mission: “NEPC has the role to mainstream non-oil exports and promote formal export in Nigeria,” she said.
Continuing, Emmanuel reiterated that the essence of the engagement was to
sensitise stakeholders on the requirements for formal cross-border trade and understand Customs duties and levies.
On the team was Alhaji Nasiru Salami, an export facilitator, who stressed the need for functional border markets.
“Okerete was chosen for the South-West. Traders from Ṣaki are the ones trading here. If we have functional border markets, the economy and our people will benefit,” he explained.
Representing the Executive Director/CEO of NEPC, Mr. Afolabi Bello linked the export agenda to macroeconomic stability.
He urged the traders to collaborate with the NBS in documenting products like cashew and shea butter, emphasising that, “Export earns foreign exchange to fund infrastructure. But without records, government intervention is impossible.”
Speaking from a royal perspective, Kabiyesi Oba Khalid Olabisi Oyedepo III, the Okere of Ṣaki, urged the collaboration of exporters.
According to the monarch, “Foreigners are profiting from our resources—one Indian claimed his company has made ₦1.7 billion here.
Let us reclaim our trade. Much of what is called Ogbomosho cashew comes from Ṣaki,” he noted.
Emmanuel Akanni of Fidelity Bank reaffirmed the bank’s support for export businesses.
“Ṣaki is a hub for cocoa, cashew, and more. With government support, Fidelity Bank is ready to assist traditional institutions and NEPC. Proper documentation is key to accessing financing,” he said.
Responding, the monarch urged Fidelity Bank to open a branch in Ṣaki to ease financial access.
Delivering the goodwill message of the Oyo State Commissioner for Trade, Industry, Investments and Cooperatives, Honourable Adebisi Adeniyi, Mr. Oluwole Uthman, an officer from the ministry, outlined the state’s commitment to formalising cross-border trade in Saki.
He stated that the government’s strategy is anchored on four key areas: registration and enumeration of traders, provision of basic infrastructure, deployment of trade facilitation officers and relevant agencies, as well as training and capacity building for women and youth engaged in trading.
He noted that these measures are part of Oyo State’s broader efforts to improve trade governance, boost economic growth, and empower local traders in the border region.
Dr. Ayobami Omotosho, President-General of the Okerete Border Market Stakeholders Association, praised NEPC’s efforts and called for a permanent Customs/security post.
Chief Superintendent of the Nigerian Customs Service, (Oyo/Osun Area Command), Mr. U. D. Bukar at the event enlightened the audience on what exporters need as documents when exporting.
“Exporters need NAFDAC certificates, TIN, export licenses, and must pay duties,” he said.
Continuing, the Chief Superintendent said, “We check arrival assessment reports, certificates of origin, and more to ensure compliance and revenue growth.”
He also broke down the formal documentation requirements: “CAC registration, TIN, NEPC Export Certificate, Form M (import), NXP (export), SONCAP, NAFDAC, and Certificate of Origin.”
He listed key levies: 0–35% import duty, 7% surcharge, 0.5% ETLS levy, 1% CISS, and 7.5% VAT. Supporting docs include the SGD form, duty receipts, exit notes, PAAR, and transit bond.
