CISLAC, OXFAM advocate improved trade, better environment in S’South

In an effort to boost intra- and interstate trade and address bottlenecks that have long hindered business growth, the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Oxfam, and key stakeholders from Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Rivers states, have called for more collaboration and reforms to ease trade and empower Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

The two-day event, which was held yesterday in Calabar, and organised by CISLAC in partnership with OXFAM, focused on utilising the Calabar Port Authority for cross-border trade and enhancing the ease of doing business in the region.

The CISLAC’s Programme Manager for Tax Justice, Environment, and Observation of Nature, Ayo Omowu, highlighted the significant challenges faced by traders in the region, saying the gathering aimed at empowering Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in South-South Nigeria. 

He noted that a previous advocacy visit with the World Bank to Cross River’s Ikom border revealed over 54 checkpoints along trade routes, an activity that has led to massive losses as goods, including valuable agricultural products like cocoa, cassava, and seafood often spoil before reaching their destinations.

He said it was discovered that the bottlenecks are due to delayed transportation and excessive taxation.

Omowu stressed the importance of partnering with state actors, particularly the ministries of commerce and trade, to address the challenges facing entrepreneurship across various states.

“We felt there is a need to see how we can collaborate with these bodies,” he explained, highlighting the potential for increased market activity.

He pointed out that many products are currently wasted, and by harnessing these resources and pushing them into the market, there could be a significant impact.

“This would not only create more jobs and increase profits for entrepreneurs but also contribute to government revenue,” Omowu said.