The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has strengthened its collaboration with the African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat to advance the implementation of the Simplified Trade Regime (STR), aimed at supporting small-scale cross-border traders and enhancing regional commerce.
The strategic meeting, held at the NCS Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja, brought together senior officials from both institutions to align efforts on simplifying trade procedures for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
Representing the Comptroller-General of Customs, Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of Tariff and Trade, Caroline Niagwan, reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to promoting inclusive trade through streamlined and transparent customs processes.
“Our goal is to make trade easier, more transparent, and inclusive for small-scale traders, while ensuring compliance with national and regional trade regulations,” she said.
Leading the AfCFTA delegation, Pedro Estevao highlighted Nigeria’s selection as the pilot country for the STR in West Africa, noting that its large market size positions it as a key driver of regional economic integration and inclusive growth.
During the meeting, the NCS presented a draft Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) outlining simplified customs processes for informal cross-border trade, passenger baggage, and low-value e-commerce transactions.
The framework incorporates digital declaration systems and risk-based controls to improve efficiency and compliance.
A consultant with the AfCFTA Secretariat, Nabil Zibani, also presented the proposed continental STR framework, stressing the need for accessible and transparent systems that enable MSMEs to participate effectively in regional trade.
Discussions revealed strong alignment between Nigeria’s proposed system and the wider AfCFTA framework, including the adoption of minimum value thresholds for duties and targeted support for women-led businesses. Both sides agreed to intensify technical work to resolve operational challenges and fast-track implementation.