The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has overseen the country’s first shipment to Kenya under the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement (AfCFTA), with Lucky Fibres, a subsidiary of the Tolaram Group, leading the way.
This historic export to Mombasa underscores Nigeria’s commitment to expanding intra-African trade.
During a visit to the NCS Apapa Area Command on October 30, 2024, Olusegun Olutayo, Senior Trade Expert and Lead of Trade Enablement at the Nigeria AfCFTA Coordination Office, highlighted the collaborative nature of the shipment.
He noted that both the AfCFTA Secretariat in Ghana and Kenya’s implementation committee were informed to support the process, emphasising AfCFTA’s role in fostering cooperative trade across the continent.
“The Nigeria Customs Service has been exceptional, providing critical support and facilitation for AfCFTA initiatives,” Olutayo stated.
He underscored NCS’s status as the Designated Competent Authority (DCA) for AfCFTA, noting its dedication to seamless trade processes.
Assistant Comptroller Olusola Salako, releasing officer for the Lilypond Export Command at Apapa, added that NCS is increasingly focused on technology-driven solutions to enhance trade.
“We now have a Unified Customs Management System (UCMS) to streamline operations and facilitate global trade. Our officers are trained, dedicated, and ready to ensure smooth procedures for exports, including those under AfCFTA,” Salako said.
This milestone shipment, officials say, signals Nigeria’s readiness to fully engage with AfCFTA and strengthen its economic ties within Africa.