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By Steve Agbota
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission has lamented the over 57 checkpoints on the Mile 2-Seme expressway of the Lagos -Abidjan corridor impeding intra-African trade.
This was even as the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Emmanuel Jime, disclosed that more than 400 trade barriers have been reported along the trade corridor.
Speaking at the sensitisation workshop in collaboration with ECOWAS Commission on awareness creation for professional organisations and stakeholders on elimination of non-tariff barriers using ECOWAS Trade Obstacle Alert Mechanism (TOAM), organised by the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), over the weekend, the principal trade advisor, ECOWAS Commission, Justin Bayili, said delays occasioned by the checkpoints killing trade facilitation along the tade corridor.
According to Bayili, there is need to create good conditions for trade facilitation in the region.
“Two months ago, we took a trip from Mile 2 to Badagry and experienced 57 checkpoints, this delay goods and thus making the goods costly for the business community,” he said.
Earlier, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), noted that trade barriers, not only disrupt seamless flow of goods but, also pose a direct threat to regional integration endeavours.
Jime, said that various studies conducted along the borders of West African nations, had persistently highlighted the bottlenecks faced by traders, particularly in border crossings and Customs clearance processes.
He observed that the multiple trade barriers, comprised lengthy clearing terms, transit checkpoints with unwarranted delays, harassment, exorbitant illegal fees, and demands for bribes has with far-reaching consequences.
He pointed out that more than 49 per cent of them had been effectively addressed by national focal point representatives, supported by advisory services from the International Trade Centre (ITC).
“In addition, the NSC’s Complaints Unit (CU) stands as a testament to our tireless efforts in resolving shipping-related issues. We understand that disputes and challenges can during trade transactions. Hence, we have dedicated resources and expertise to swiftly address these issues, ensuring that businesses can continue operations with minimal disruptions.
“Our commitment to fostering collaboration and harmonisation among various stakeholders in the trade ecosystem is unwavering. We actively engage with other agencies, both within Nigeria and across West Africa, to align our efforts in promoting trade facilitation.”
“NSC is at the forefront of advocating for the digitization of port processes. We recognise that the digital transformation of port operations is instrumental in streamlining trade, reducing bureaucracy, and enhancing transparency. Through advocacy and active, and consistently embarked on initiatives aimed at enhancing trade efficiency and reducing barriers to participation in the modernization of port systems, we aim to usher in an era of more efficient and responsive trade infrastructure.
“Our collective focus today revolves around a topic that is not only crucial but timely, given our region’s aspirations for economic growth and regional integration,” he explained.
He said that the fully operational status of TOAM in all 15 ECOWAS member states underscores its potential to drive transformative change and enhance regional trade.
Justifying the initiative, the Principal Trade Advisor, ECOWAP -USAID Operational Programme, ECOWAS Commission, Mr. Justin Bayili, stressed the need to create a conducive environment for trade facilitation in the region.
While commending the approach being implemented as capable of bringing sustainable solutions, Mr. Justin Bayili warned that multiple reports without response will make the region to lose focus.
Similarly, the President of Ikom Chamber of Commerce, Mrs. Flora Takim-Ndifon, said that TOAM’s greatest strength is the knowledge that one could do business legitimately without any fear of hindrance from anybody.
Some other stakeholders also urged the inclusion of truck drivers in the system to enhance results, while some noted that a lack of implementation and human elements, rather than the absence of workable policies and ideas, is the region’s undoing.
Stakeholders at the meeting included freight forwarders, Nigerian Ports Authority, Nigeria Customs Service, Manufacturers’ Association of Nigeria, Lagos Chambers of Commerce and Industry, and National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control among others.
