….describes ‘trade initiative’ as important for the administration of countries
…partners AfCFTA Secretariat for enhanced trade facilitation
in Africa
ZAINAB JUNAID
The Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir
Adewale Adeniyi MFR, has expressed concerned on how African trade system
refuses to grow beyond 14-15 percent, estimated over the last three to four
years.
The CGC made this known while confirming the Service’s readiness
to partner with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat
for enhanced trade facilitation in the African Continent.
He lamented the low trade volume in Africa, saying NCS fully
understands the importance of balancing trade facilitation and revenue, pointing
out that Africa's share in global trade is around 3–4 percent.
Speaking on Monday, 8 January 2024, when he received members
of AfCFTA at the Customs Corporate Headquarters in Abuja, the CGC expressed
immense joy on how AfCFTA started over 10 years ago and the positive
projections many international organizations have given about the Continental
Free Trade Area.
He said NCS is not unmindful of the benefits that trade
presents — economic growth, job creation, and poverty alleviation because
Customs trade plays a role in fostering regional and international bonds."
Speaking further, “The Customs Boss described ‘the Guide
Trade Initiative as 'important for the administration of countries' focusing on
ways to grow their trade market, adding, "There is a need for
collaboration in the verification of goods origin at the port as NCS has been
designated the appropriate authority and also collaborate with other government
agencies."
He said, "I talk to you about the fact that we are
projecting a 2 percent increase in the shower of rejecting over 1 million
people out of poverty. And you know, more importantly, N450 billion GDP. So,
this all sounds extremely promising."
The CGC said his Administration has taken several measures
aimed at generally improving trade facilitation in Nigeria, adding, "We
are planning the implementation of a time-release study in the first quarter of
this year working with other agencies of government."
Corroborating on the importance of data analytics, the CGC
said, "We must invest in data analytics, and we must bring all our
officers up to speed on the basic elements or requirements for data analysis.
Last December, we made this the subject of our Comptroller General's conference
— it was a very big occasion that attracted all our stakeholders, and they were
all in accord with us that we need to do a bit more in data analysis."
Addressing the CGC earlier, the Secretary-General of the
African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), His Excellency Wamkele Mene,
congratulated the CGC on his appointment and confirmation, expressed excitement
to proffer solutions to the issues bedeviling trade in Africa.
He highlighted the importance of cooperation between AfCFTA
and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in tackling trade impediments. He
conveyed his excitement about jointly finding solutions to the issues affecting
trade in Nigeria, emphasizing that AfCFTA is committed to collaborating with
the NCS to enhance trade facilitation not only in Nigeria but across the
African continent.
On the potential impact of their collaboration, Mr. Mene
expressed optimism that the synergy between AfCFTA and NCS would significantly
improve trade and revenue generation in various African countries, including
but not limited to Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Kenya. He underscored the
strategic role that effective trade facilitation plays in fostering economic
growth and development across the region.
AfCFTA, established to promote intra-African trade and
economic integration, sees its partnership with NCS as a crucial step towards
realizing its objectives. The collaboration aims to streamline customs
procedures, reduce trade barriers, and enhance the efficiency of cross-border
trade.
The Secretary-General's visit marks a milestone in the
ongoing efforts to harness the economic potential of the African continent
through improved trade practices.
