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By Kehinde Aderemi
The West African Association of Cross Border Trade in Agro-Forestry-Pastoral and Fisheries Products (WACTAF) has urged the Federal Government to provide effective trans-border business environment for business owners.
The call was made during a two-day workshop, organised by the German Cooperation, under GIZ and ECOWAS Agricultural Trade (EAT).
National Secretary of WACTAF in Nigeria, Olufemi Odusanya, said the workshop was organised to educate stakeholders on the need to understand the intricacies of trans-border business across Africa.
He stated that ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLs) was designed to exempt traders and business owners from paying duties across the trans-border corridors.
One of the facilitators at the workshop, Alhaji Salami Nasiru, said there is a need for the Federal Government to ease trans-border business across Africa. He described export as a global business that requires proper support from the government and a synergy between exporters and managers of policies.
His words: “There is need to educate business owners and stakeholders on trade policy in Africa. Exportation is a global business and it is very important for traders to know what is required for proper trading.
“Exporters should know about the landing cost, the competitors and how competitive a product is in the market. They also need to know that Nigeria has the lowest rate on VAT, even among countries like Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire and that is a big problem.”
Nasiru described security challenges, inadequate infrastructure, and irregular electricity as some of the major problems affecting Nigeria.
“That is why we are appealing to the Federal government to support the business environment in order to ease trans-border business,” he stated.
Another facilitator, Mr. Seyi Ogundipe, spoke about the best approach to easing trans-border business. He noted that there are regulations that must be adhered to towards ensuring a smooth trans-border business both within and aside the corridors.”
The workshop was attended by groups such as the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), Nigeria Shippers Council, Nigeria Export Promotion Council, National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), as well as Heavy Truck and Border Communities Stakeholders.
