African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat has selected Nigeria to be the pilot country for the implementation of its Simplified Trade Regime (STR) in West Africa.

This new framework is designed to simplify procedures for small-scale cross-border traders, providing easier access to regional markets and contributing to greater economic integration across the continent.

This was made known by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) spokesperson, Abdullahi Maiwada, who highlighted Nigeria’s critical role in advancing intra-African trade and supporting small-scale traders who are often hindered by complex customs procedures and high transaction costs.

A delegation from the AfCFTA Secretariat, led by Pedro Estevao, visited Nigeria recently for engagements with the NCS to accelerate the implementation of the STR at the NCS headquarters in Abuja.

Estevao emphasised that Nigeria, as the largest economy in the region, was well-positioned to lead the way in promoting inclusive trade and economic growth through the implementation of the STR framework.

Maiwada noted that during the engagement, the NCS presented its draft Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the implementation of the STR in Nigeria.

Maiwada also highlighted several areas of alignment between the NCS’s SOP and the AfCFTA’s framework, including the simplification of documentation and procedures, the use of digital platforms for declarations and clearances, and the adoption of de minimis thresholds for low-value trade.

The hosting agreement was signed in partnership with Afreximbank, the African Union Commission and the AfCFTA Secretariat, underscoring Nigeria’s commitment to advancing regional economic integration and boosting trade within Africa.

NCS Comptroller-General, Bashir Adeniyi, reiterated his commitment to supporting MSMEs and ensuring that trade became easier, more transparent and inclusive, especially for small-scale traders.

Adeniyi, who was represented by the Deputy Comptroller-General of Tariff and Trade, Caroline Niagwan, noted that the goal of the engagement was to streamline trade processes while ensuring compliance with both national and regional trade regulations.