NSC unveils 24-hour export process to boost AfCFTA Trade

The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has launched a new initiative introducing border traders to a streamlined 24-hour export process aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). AfCFTA connects over 1.4 billion people across 54 African countries, with a combined Gross Domestic Product (GDP) estimated at $3.4 trillion. The initiative […]

The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has launched a new initiative introducing border traders to a streamlined 24-hour export process aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

AfCFTA connects over 1.4 billion people across 54 African countries, with a combined Gross Domestic Product (GDP) estimated at $3.4 trillion.

The initiative is designed to enhance trade facilitation, cut export delays, and reduce the cost of moving goods across Nigeria’s land borders.

The sensitisation programme, held in Badagry, Lagos State, was themed “Empowering Cross-Border Trade Through Trade Information.” It focused on simplifying export procedures, reducing bureaucratic bottlenecks, and improving efficiency for small-scale and cross-border traders.

Speaking at the event, NSC Director of Consumer Affairs, Mrs. Ify Okolue, said the initiative promotes transparency, efficiency, and competitiveness in cross-border trade.

She highlighted the establishment of Border Information Centres (BICs) as a strategic step toward closing information gaps that hinder trade formalisation. The BICs provide traders with guidance on tariffs, documentation, import and export procedures, standards, and sanitary and phytosanitary requirements.

The centres have been set up in collaboration with Borderless Alliance, GIZ, USAID West Africa Trade Hub, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and the Nigeria Customs Service.

Operational BICs are currently located at: Seme–Krake; Jibia–Maradi; Illela–Birnin Koni and Mfum–Nkot.

Okolue added that the Idiroko Border Information Centre is expected to become operational before the end of the second quarter of 2026.

Representing the Comptroller-General of Customs, the Customs Area Controller of Seme Command, Comptroller Wale Adenuga, disclosed that perishable goods are now cleared in under two hours to encourage exports to neighbouring countries.

He revealed that the Seme Command generated over N15 billion in 2025—the highest in its history—due to enhanced cross-border trading. Between February 1 and February 24, 2026, the command recorded N4.1 billion in revenue, compared to N650 million in February 2025, reflecting increased export activities.